What Exercise is "Joint Safe?"

[Harrison]

I recently subscribed to Consumer Reports, and was both delighted and surprised to find joint replacement as a subject of review! See below for some tips written for knee/hip replacement patients.
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Joint-safe workouts

Exercise is great for your joints as long as you don't injure them. It's also important for easing symptoms if you've already developed arthritis. Here, we've grouped activities according to the demands they place on your hips and knees.

Low impact

Examples: Bicycling (stationary or regular), swimming or water aerobics, walking, yoga, Pilates, golf, ballroom dancing, elliptical machine.
Appropriate for: Everyone. Especially good for people who have arthritis.
Precautions: Wear proper shoes for walking and other weight-bearing activities; people with advanced arthritis may also need orthotic shoe inserts or a knee brace (as prescribed by a doctor or physical therapist). Golfers with artificial joints should wear spikeless shoes.

Moderate impact

Examples: Hiking, step aerobics/aerobic dance, ice skating, in-line skating, tennis, cross-country skiing.
Appropriate for: People in good physical condition. OK for people with arthritis as long as the activity doesn't cause pain.
Precautions: Use trekking poles for hiking (see our June 2006 report on trekking poles). Avoid playing tennis on wet surfaces. Wear knee and elbow pads for skating. Wear a knee brace if prescribed.

High impact

Examples: Jogging or running, racquetball, downhill skiing, team sports (football, basketball, hockey, softball, soccer), waterskiing.
Appropriate for: Fit people with well-functioning joints. Most doctors discourage patients with artificial joints from returning to high-impact sports. Anyone with artificial knees or hips should avoid soccer, basketball, and other activities that involve excessive twisting or pivoting.
Precautions: Warm up beforehand, and stop if you experience pain or fatigue. Run on flexible surfaces. Avoid skiing moguls if you have aching knees or hips. Wear a knee brace if prescribed.

Courtesy ConsumerReports.org, subscription required.