Exercise DESPITE Limitations

NiciS72

I just wanted to post this for others who are struggling as you might need this. Last Friday I went to my Orthopedic surgeon and he told me I injured my bicep and most likely have a tear. He said NO USING IT, which severely limits my exercise options. Yesterday my husband got the call back from the SAME Dr. about his knee. Apparently he has a stress fracture in his tibia which is causing his knee pain. So for him, no walking except if necessary i.e. the bathroom, kitchen to eat and to bed. So, a year ago both of us would have said F*** it and given up. We've come so far, both losing around 80 lbs. DESPITE these injuries we are both determined to stay on course and are choosing to do things WE CAN DO! Instead of looking at the glass as half empty we're choosing to say it's half full. We asked many questions of the Dr. about what we can do. Though the list of what we can't do is long, the list of what we can do isn't short by any means. Last night despite his being upset at how he looks my husband came to the gym with me, put on a swimsuit he bought yesterday and got in the pool and did laps. I did them to, but with a kick board!

SO folks, the moral to this is THERE IS ALWAYS SOMETHING YOU CAN DO!!!!! You just need to ask someone, your Dr. a physical therapist, a trainer, the folks here on MFP and I bet they come up with a list of things you can do. Don't let your limitations keep you from attaining your goals, find a different path!

SheehyCFC

that's fantastic that you both have the determination and will-power to do it. there's a wealth of knowledge out there on how to get around "obstacles" in exercising, and glad you suggest them at the end there.
Good luck in the pool!

noexcuses1218

Yes, yes, and yes. Einstein said "In the midst of challenge lies opportunity." Or at least I think it was him. Anyway, you have to enter into the challenge to get to the opportunity, you know? My physical therapist has said no walking over 3 mph, no running, no squats, no lunges, no biking, very little yoga - nothing at ALL that's going to stretch the hamstrings (bursitis).

But you what? I can still do jumping jacks, mini-squats (add a medicine ball throw and it's lots of fun), bunny hops, jog in place, and jump rope. Plus I'm getting a ton of ab work and upper body strengthening. When I can go back to the cardio, it's gonna be awesome - and I'm learning SO much through this experience.

I'm SO glad you posted this!

bookdame

I agree!

In addition to an upcoming shoulder surgery from repetitive stress, I tore a few fibers where the tibia attaches to the knee which has caused alot of pain in my knee... .so running/elliptical/walking is out as well as yoga, rock climbing, alot of the things that defined me before. But my doc says I can still cycle so I've been doing HIIT on the stationary bike.

There IS ALWAYS something you can do! I'm doing weight training and tons of stretching and its great!