Need cardio ideas, can't use feet!

Ketotaz

Hi everyone,

This is the first time I use the forums to ask a question.
I recently started my weight loss journey. I am doing great nutrition wise, and I also joined a gym. However, just last week I had surgery on both feet and I will not be able to exercise on my feet for a while.
I have a lot of weight to lose. I started at 315 and I am now 303.2 (yay me). I have a longggg way to go, but I will do this.
I know that I can sit and do hand held weights, but what about cardio? I can't put my feet in the water either so the pool is out of the question.
Thank you in advance for any tips you can give!

amicklin

Not being able to use your feet does limit it the cardiovascular work you can do. I would try pilates for cardio. Yoga does alot ON the feet, pilates does alot while you are laying down on your back.

Eponine7

Boxing--jabs, uppercuts, hooks, etc. I wear a HRM and I can tell you that you can really blast your heart rate up there just with upper body boxing moves. Good luck to you!

DanaM810

Jillian Michaels swears by doing punches with your arms when you have a lower body injury. It blasts your heart rate up. Can you use your legs, but just not put any pressure on your feet? Maybe go to a pilates class...they're an awesome workout.

ydeleon

I know of a fellow group exercise instructor who teaches from a wheelchair. And when most get some form of ankle/foot injury, they do from a chair. You'd be doing most of the movement with your arms and still get a calorie burn.

One very important thing to always keep in mind is your eating habits. But moreso now for you since your cardio won't be at it's highest.

mkaluzny

My son (age 25) has been wheelchair bound for three years. He does a lot of cardio. He does jumping jack arms, pelvic tilts, shoulder shrugs, waist twists and a series of other exercises. Just moving the wheelchair is cardio. Ask your physical therapist. If you want, I can ask him if there are web site or other resources to help you.

beccala18

Maybe the hand bike machine if your gym has one? Those things look like they probably get a good cardio workout.

Nikusz

maybe you can find inspiration in the 'chair zumba' vids on youtube?

Ketotaz

The pilates would be fun except if I get down on the floor I will not be able to get back up lol. That would mean putting weight on my feet to get back up. I have a lot of weight on me. I did not think about the punches! that is a great idea.
Thanks all!

Edited to add: just saw allt he other replys on zumba and wheelchair exercises! how did I not think of looking those up? lol maybe its the lack of sleep. I also have a 7 month old baby who wakes me up about 7 times a night! thanks again everyone! great ideas.

jlemoore

Be a conductor and conduct some fast moving music.

annemama

Well, I am going to assume you can't stand then, so my first thought is that I have seen this contraption that is something you pedal with your arms... maybe your gym has them. Also, punching is a great cardio workout...seroiusly its hard to keep that up for long. And there are different punches... also pretend to hit a punching bag quickly (check out Tae Bo for different punches) Twists with a medicine ball can be tough, but effective for your waist. Maybe lift your arms as high as possible, then lean over in your chair to touch your toes! Cardio and a back strengthener all at once. Also, any gym equipment for your upper body could be set at a very low weight and you could do a lot of quick reps, which would get your heart rate up. Ask a trainer at the gym to help you set it up correctly. How about clear out an area around your chair, get a broomstick, make like you're in a kayak, and "row" your way through a sitcom on tv! (Hey, I might even try that myself!)

Beth

Babieseverywhere

Edited to add: just saw allt he other replys on zumba and wheelchair exercises! how did I not think of looking those up? lol maybe its the lack of sleep. I also have a 7 month old baby who wakes me up about 7 times a night! thanks again everyone! great ideas.

Wow, I just wanted to say I love your positive attitude and how you are looking for what you CAN do, rather than worrying about things you can't,. especially with having a young baby and little sleep. You are going to do so well on here

Ketotaz

You all rock!! thank you!! such great ideas! can't wait to try them