I need an alternative to walking.

[MNatNat]

Sounds ridiculous, but walking is not an option.  I have plantar fasciatis and walking more than short distances is excruciating.  I sleep with braces on, I've tried the towel to stretch the heel, shoe inserts, frozen bottles, so forth and so on. Just not an option.  I can ride my bike and even play a little tennis, but that just isn't cutting it anymore.  My husband and I are going to buy roller blades tonight, but I blade like a big dork. (I can only push off with one foot-habit, not medical)...I also fall a lot, and that's not conducive to me getting in shape and feeling better, but I'm still going to give it a try.  It was alot easier when my son was in a stroller, least then I had something to hold on to.

Anyway, does anyone have ideas as to something to get my heart rate up that is going to use my whole body?  I need to find something to do along with my family to keep me motivated. (My 5 year old fully expects me to do something fun with him every day, and I'm not about to let him down!)

[mother2four]

Sex and lots of it.  All jokes aside its a great form of exercise not to mention lots of fun. ENJOY!!

[MNatNat]

Too funny...now we know why you are a mother to 4...so am I.

[granny3]

what about swimming?

[who_dis]

Wonder if an elliptical machine would be ok with your plantar fasciitis.  (I had it for years, and I feel your pain!)

You don't get the heel pounding with an elliptical.  You might stop by a gym and see if they'll let you try one to see if it hurts.

[sk2006a]

the elliptical is a great idea.  goes through the motion of jogging, without the pounding!

[hyepod]

I am a podiatrist.  I assume you have been seeing one.  I also assume you tried injections?  And regarding the inserts, did you try the custom-made, or the pre-made?  Occasionally even the custom-made "inserts" don't help.  Also occasionally, pre-made ones work wonders (and I don't mean the kind you find in the grocery store).  If you decide to try a new pair (it can be a situation requiring trial and error), I'm sure that you know you should wear them one hour the first day, two hours the second, etc.  Otherwise, I think the eliptical machine is a good idea for some folks with plantar fasciitis.  Try swimming, with or without the floatation device between your knees, or the one that you hold with your hands.  It gives a hearty work out.