Cardio with broken toe?

Witchdoctor58

So, I went on vacation and gained 8 lbs. I fell off the sugar wagon and ate too many desserts because the sweets were displayed like an open bar, and sugar is my drug of choice. When I got home I stubbed my pinky toe on the suitcase. It's broken badly and even though I had begun insanity that morning, I can't even slow walk on the treadmill. My calf is cramping in compensation (blood clot ruled out). I may need surgery, pending follow up vist to podiatrist.

I will be doing heavy lifting for upper body and abs, as well as isolation exercises for legs like curls, but I feel like I need to move. I went down to 1200 to 1300 cal/d clean at 35/35/30 range but I hate eating at that low level.

Please help with ideas to get my HR up to at least the fat burning range! I have a home gym, and treadmill is my only cardio equipment. Because of the calf pain, bicycling is out.

Thanks in advance!

thewildair

There are lots of upper body cardio exercises. Google will probably have a million suggestions, but off the top of my head: rowing, boxing/punching, kettle bell swings, windmills, dancing with just your upper body... there's lots of things you can do.

TavistockToad

Swimming?

Jcl81

Cardio doesn't have to be running, you could just lift weights with little to no rest in between. Since you have the home gym I would do this. You have the best of both worlds strength and cardio. Try some circuit training by moving from one exercise to the next with 10-15 seconds rest in between each set. As long as you're realistic with the amount of weight you'll get a great workout with plenty of cardio.

sarabushby

As @TavistockToad said, swimming front crawl with a pull buoy between your legs will isolate your lower body so the calf & toe are protected but enable you to achieve a cardio workout to maintain or gain fitness. If you don't swim or don't swim crawl, what a great reason to learn - it won't take long to build your confidence, technique & stamina.

deluxmary2000

When I broke my foot I did kettlebell swings and battle ropes for cardio.

meritage4

If the calf pain is just compensating do try some gentle biking on a stationary bike or use a wind trainer. Increase temp as needed .

pebble4321

I'd look for some professional advice here. It might be that you need to drop a fair bit of cardio for a while and focus on strength and upper body activities. That's probably not what you want to hear, but you have to give your injury time to heal.

Christine_72

I broke my toe a couple of months ago. I still continued to walk, my exercise of choice. I just made sure and wore roomy shoes or flip flops, as I couldn't wear my usual trainers as it was way too painful.