Dear Jean, I have a seated eliptical that I can use for one hour a day with no pain. However, I don't use tremendous force so basically I am getting the benefit of aerobic exercise which is better than nothing. If I walked I would have pain in every joint within 2 or 3 minutes or less. Swimming would be good but my pool is filled with snow now and it's too much trouble to go to the Community Center in frigid temperatures. I sometimes use a warmed bean bag on the seat of the eliptical just to be merciful to my muslcles. Also I want to mention that I am 82 and have Sjogren's and Lupus and erosive osteoarthritis and etc. etc. etc. to infinity. Good luck! Diane Donohue