Cardio with injury is it possible ???

Scott_R
Scott_R Posts: 20
edited September 26 in Health and Weight Loss
Hi all,

I over worked a tendon/ligament in my right ankle and foot and against my will I am wearing the latest in footwear fasion >>>>An temp aircast so that I am able to walk and function. However I am not able to use it for cardio .....Does anyone have ideas to get cardio without using my lower leg ? I have increaded my weight lifting but would like to do more! Any ideas would be great !

Thank You,

Scott

Replies

  • jamie1888
    jamie1888 Posts: 1,704 Member
    Yeah, upper body strength training is one way... does your gym have a rope climbing machine? My gym has one; you just sit on the seat and climb a rope; really gets the heart rate up!
  • SweetPandora
    SweetPandora Posts: 660 Member
    I think you would get the best advice from your Dr. or a physical therapist, someone who is familiar with your type of injury.

    Hope it heals quickly for you.

    Karen
  • bmontgomery87
    bmontgomery87 Posts: 1,260 Member
    Can you do an elliptical or stair stepper with the footwear?

    If not I would up the intensity of the weight training. Less of a rest between sets.

    I know my leg days end up being a cardio workout because my heart is pounding for 45-60 minutes.
  • Christine1110
    Christine1110 Posts: 1,786 Member
    You can hold weights and do punches....it will raise your heart rate.




    2639362.png
  • momma3sweetgirls
    momma3sweetgirls Posts: 743 Member
    Punches and windmill arms...at least that's what Jillian Michael's says can be done for cardio without using lower body.
  • Nomomush
    Nomomush Posts: 582 Member
    My gym offers a stationary arm bike...where you are pedaling with your arms instead of your feet....and no you are not upside down. lol :laugh:

    It's great for upper body but also gets your cardio time in.

    Here's a really good article discussing foot injuries and the best exercises for it:

    http://www.livestrong.com/article/303861-the-best-cardio-exercise-for-a-foot-injury/

    Hope this helps--

    Good luck and get well soon.
  • jessielynn1218
    jessielynn1218 Posts: 2 Member
    I too am in a walking boot for 7 weeks for an ankle injury that is not getting better. I do ALOT of walking, and ALOT Of bike riding.. the walkng I can do with the boot..i may not be able to jog walk extremely fast but im still moving and it seems to be working. The bike riding I can do without the boot because it doesnt put much pressure on my ankle. The upper body stuff is good too!! just hang in there and do what you can, but make sure you just keep moving!!
  • crystal10584
    crystal10584 Posts: 334
    a rowing machine would do it too. :)
  • baxyboy
    baxyboy Posts: 70 Member
    Depending on how big your cast is and how much it limits your movement, if you're really careful you might be able to use a rowing machine too perhaps?

    Personally I'd probably take a break (or stick to upper-body only stuff) to let it heal quicker and let me get back to my usual workout faster.

    EDIT: If your gym has them, hand-bikes would be perfect!
  • rmhand
    rmhand Posts: 1,067 Member
    On biggest loser one of the contestants really enjoyed shadow boxing while seated. Shadow boxing or real boxing (punching a bag) might be a good option is you can at least stand on your feet and move a little.
  • BflSaberfan
    BflSaberfan Posts: 1,272
    slightly squat with your legs apart, do upper cuts, jabs (open handed) etc. That will really get your heart going.
  • knittnponder
    knittnponder Posts: 1,953 Member
    If you have access to a pool I would think swimming would be about the best way to get some cardio without taxing your ankle. I know it's tough to be sidelined when things were going well but be careful that you take care of that ankle or you'll be out longer.

    I suppose you could always jump rope on one foot but you'll have one chicken leg and one that looks like it belongs to Popeye if you do that. ;)
  • rileysowner
    rileysowner Posts: 8,330 Member
    Try something like this http://www.myfitnesspal.com/blog/rileysowner/view/metabolic-resistance-training-complex-workout-90916

    You may want to change the exercises, but doing a workout of that style will get your heart rate up and keep burning calories long after you finish doing it.
  • natskedat
    natskedat Posts: 570 Member
    You also might want to try getting in the pool. Buying or borrowing an Aqua-aerobics belt might be good, or you can swim laps. 20 minutes of swimming gets your heart rate up and it's virtually injury free. Additionally, you're not putting any stress on your injury. Good luck and rest. A lot.
  • Scott_R
    Scott_R Posts: 20
    Awesome Ideas everyone !!!! Thank You Very much !! I'm not so bummed about the injury anymore !!!
  • rileysowner
    rileysowner Posts: 8,330 Member
    You also might want to try getting in the pool. Buying or borrowing an Aqua-aerobics belt might be good, or you can swim laps. 20 minutes of swimming gets your heart rate up and it's virtually injury free. Additionally, you're not putting any stress on your injury. Good luck and rest. A lot.

    This is a good suggestion as well if you have a pool available to you.
This discussion has been closed.

Categories