Exercise with previous serious injuries?

melissamcafeetaylor

So to start out, I've been trying to lose weight for years now. I'm not much of an exercise person, but I've always been really active - swimming, softball, volleyball, etc.
A month before I turned 18, I was in a car accident that broke both my femurs and severed a tendon and branch nerves in my right wrist/arm. I was in the hospital for a month, it took a while to walk again and it took months to fully heal.

Now I've tried dieting, and for myself, I don't think dieting alone is going to work, I feel like I need the exercise. I don't have time to go to the gym, so it's just trying to work something in at home when I'm dealing with kids. My problem is that I have problems running, jumping, bending at the knee, even push ups. It's hard to explain. It not only feels uncomfortable, but it hurts my legs and my wrist. And my knees where my scars are, it's super sensitive, it hurts to even get on my knees on pillows. I'm not trying to make excuses or whatever, and I'm sure some of the problems come from being so overweight.

I just want an exercise where I'm actually doing something,where I can actually burn more calories, that isn't so painful or uncomfortable. Treadmills work well if they have the hand rails, but I have no money for one and no gym time. I love kick boxing and like I said, I've always loved being active with sports. I just kind of feel stuck.

I guess my question is if anyone else had dealt with something similar, or maybe had a suggestion? I'm open to any and all

tomatoey

I really think you should see a physiotherapist to sort yourself out. Good idea to get advice on correcting existing imbalances and addressing any chronic issues. (I don't think you're making excuses. I know from experience that old injuries can set the stage for knock-on effects due to compensation, etc.)

For now, if you can walk, that's great. Leslie Sansone has walking videos, you can try some out on YouTube.

tomatoey

The physio can also help with pain management.