How do I get Cardio with a sprained ankle?

i_luv_to_read

I'm 23 years old and I've never had a serious injury of any kind. I just recently started the Couch to 5K program and I managed to sprain my ankle during the first week. I've always been better at doing cardio, like jogging or the bicycle, so now I'm wondering what kind of cardio or routine I can keep up while I wait for my ankle to recover. Any ideas? I hate to lose time when I could be working out and just sit at home on my butt because I can't run.

samthomason

I don't really know of much, but I do remember hearing Jillian Michaels saying on one of her dvds that if you have any lower body injuries punching/boxing is a great way to get the heart rate up. I'm not sure of what else; I'm sure someone will have more suggestions. Good luck!

meshashesha2012

swimming. just put one of those h shaped buoys between your legs. that forces you to use your upper body more

weight lifting is also very cardio if you're lifting heavy enough weights. for lower body, you want to use machines

withervein

You can also take a break and heal up properly. You should avoid putting weight on the ankle at all if possible.

Making it worse or irritating the sprain further will only bench you longer.

bethhyg

Take care of your ankle first, that way you do not re injure it. I sprained my ankle last year and was on crutches for two months.. And I can say walking on crutches was a workout. Hope your ankle heals fast.. Took me two months before I could walk on it..I had tore a ligament.