Cardio with a sprained ankle?

Collinsky

I sprained my ankle a little over a week ago... it was a relatively minor sprain, but jogging, jumping, lunging, even walking workouts have been pretty much out of the question until now. Now I'm healed enough to feel like I can start to do something, gingerly, but I do still have to be careful not to reinjure myself since I'm not at 100% yet. So my challenge is to look for workouts/exercises that are super easy on the ankles. Shred It With Weights comes to mind, as well as pushups, core work, and maybe even squats.

Any other ideas for at home, no machine, calorie burning exercises that can be done while being tender to my ankle? I want to work hard this week, without putting myself back on the couch with an ice pack on my elevated ankle.

Thanks for any suggestions!

cillytilly

I know this is not easy to do at home the best thing for me was swimming laps. I sprained my fairly bad last August and swimming was the only thing I could do for a couple of months. My advise is don't push it too much. Is there posible resistance training that you dan do for your arms and core while you wait for it to heal. Resistance bands are good for this so is the medicine ball.

ronda_gettinghealthy

boxing,or dancing without jumping,

Shweedog

I know you said at home but can you go bike riding outside?

stanvoodoo

Chair/floor exercises work great, especially if just the upper body. Almost no impact.

schibs

I know you said for at home and no machines, but when I sprained my ankle I was still able to go hard on the elliptical and stationary bike.

LisaMariaCallow

I broke my foot Memorial Day weekend, didn't know it was broken (it was sore & bruised, but I could walk on it) so I continued to walk & workout for about a month until it was really sore & swollen. Had it x-rayed & as it had already begun healing on it's own was put in a cast shoe for about 4 weeks. I LOVE to work out so I wore a pedometer throughout the day & made sure I got in at least 10,000 steps. I also did upper body & ab workout. Be careful!

baisleac

Cardio boxing while sitting on an exercise ball... works your arms, shoulders, and core... plus gets your heart rate up.

mlb929

Strength Train while recovering. A mini trampoline is good too. But you can do weights and have it low impact on a bad ankle. You'd be amazed at the better results you will get focusing on those other areas.

Yoga and stretching are great for recovery too.

Collinsky

Thanks for the suggestions! Lots of options...