We are pleased to announce that as of March 4, 2025, an updated Rich Text Editor has been introduced in the MyFitnessPal Community. To learn more about the changes, please click here. We look forward to sharing this new feature with you!
Working out with a broken wrist?

Gimsteinn
Posts: 7,678 Member
I broke my wrist.. that sucks.. and now I've been out of commission for a few days and I'm getting cranky, emotional and I feel every muscle in my body demanding being used.
So, would it be save for me to hit the gym and workout if I don't use my broken hand? what about cardio? Bad idea?
I'm sure my pole fitness days are done until I've recovered but I so badly need to do something.. I'm going crazy
So, would it be save for me to hit the gym and workout if I don't use my broken hand? what about cardio? Bad idea?
I'm sure my pole fitness days are done until I've recovered but I so badly need to do something.. I'm going crazy
0
Replies
-
I don't see why not as long as you don't put any weight on it at all. The increased blood flow will likely help the healing process.1
-
MsAmandaNJ wrote: »I don't see why not as long as you don't put any weight on it at all. The increased blood flow will likely help the healing process.
You're my new favorite person of today0 -
Of course - anything that doesn't hurt your wrist should be completely safe. Get out there and do something - it should definitely help with the crankiness1
-
You might want to consider slinging it in an elevated position
ouh.nhs.uk/patient-guide/leaflets/files%5C10920Psling.pdf
as it will be painful if you are casted and the increased blood flow to extremities causes swelling. By slinging elevated it will reduce blood pooling and swelling and encourage other gym users to be mindful of you.0 -
There are several gym machines that allow strength work without using hands/wrists.
Off the top of my head:- Pec deck (chest)
- abductor/adductor (legs)
- Roman chair (glues/back)
- Leg press & most calf raise machines (legs)
- Leg extensions and curls
- Some gyms have bicep curl stations which have pads for the forearms (rather than gripping with the hands)
Cardio as treadmill, bike, or elliptical (no arms) would be OK?
Keep the protein up and ensure that you're either at maintenance or no more than a slight deficit to aid healing.
When you/your Dr feel that the wrist is healed sufficiently you should ask about specific exercises as a form of physiotherapy.
1 -
I would not be at any weight on it at all because that could cause malunion. Cardio would be fine. Ask your surgeon about doing anything else before the cast comes off.0
This discussion has been closed.
Categories
- All Categories
- 1.4M Health, Wellness and Goals
- 394.5K Introduce Yourself
- 44K Getting Started
- 260.5K Health and Weight Loss
- 176.1K Food and Nutrition
- 47.5K Recipes
- 232.7K Fitness and Exercise
- 444 Sleep, Mindfulness and Overall Wellness
- 6.5K Goal: Maintaining Weight
- 8.6K Goal: Gaining Weight and Body Building
- 153.1K Motivation and Support
- 8.1K Challenges
- 1.3K Debate Club
- 96.4K Chit-Chat
- 2.5K Fun and Games
- 4.1K MyFitnessPal Information
- 16 News and Announcements
- 1.3K Feature Suggestions and Ideas
- 2.8K MyFitnessPal Tech Support Questions