Where to Start

PMOwens83

Hello,
Technically I'm not new here, I've been a member for a while. I'm a 30 year old mom to 3, and work full time. I've been using life as an excuse to not go out and and exercise. I'm tired of making excuses, and am ready to make the change. Problem is I don't know where to start. I know how to alter my diet, but it's difficult at times to maintain due to my current living situation- that's a problem for me to figure out.
However I could use some guidance in the exercise area. I was in an automobile accident 10 years ago, as a result I have a plate in my pelvis, screws in my hips, and a rod in my femur. I'm also 7 months into my recovery from having my ankle fused due to injuries sustained from the same car accident.. The ankle, pelvis, and hip continue to be the biggest issues for me. I have pretty much no range of movement in my right foot, and I've been told that walking for exercise is not an option, to be perfectly honest walking in general is still a challenge. I was told by my surgeon that swimming, biking, and the elliptical are my best options. I know for a fact that I can ride a recumbent bike with no isssues. I don't think I'm ready for the pool yet. The ankle is stiff and painful still, and the idea of attempting to kick with it is unappealing. I 'm thinking that since I am still having pain issues that the elliptical would be rather uncomfortable for me, and cause additional pain.
So I'd like to develop and exercise routine that would use the bike as my cardio, and incorporate some weight training, and core exercises (hoping that core exercise would help with my pelvis and hips rotating out of place regularly). I'm open to maybe even trying some yoga, I'm just concerned that getting into some of the positions would be difficult since I cannot bend my ankle or foot, it's fixed at a constant 90 degree angle. Any resources, pointers, websites, whatever are welcome. I have got to get this weight off, it will help my joints to be smaller. My optimal weight for my height is 65lbs away. Thank 's in advance for reading this, and helping me out.

socioseguro

Hi

I also recovered from a car accident 3 years ago. I had 3 surgeries and I could not walk for 5 months. It has taken almost a year to get rid of the extra weight while on recovery. I achieved my objective thanks to MFP.

what has worked for me:

1. Log all my food intake.
2. weigh and measure all my food
3. Eat at a deficit , I use the TDEE formula. I follow Michael Pollan's: Eat food. Mostly plants. Not too much.
4. I use spinning, elliptical and rowing for cardio. Weight lifting is my favorite activity. I have a personal training session once a week.
5. I use a Heart Rate Monitor for my calories burned.

Good luck in your journey