Can't exercise for three weeks :(

Dedicated

This past week I have been really sick and unable to work out. On Wednesday I am undergoing a surgery and was told I cannot work out for three weeks! I'm a little stressed! I have worked really hard the last few months to lose weight and I don't want to stop losing/gain weight back. I asked the doctor if I could exercise at all and he said I can't do anything that gets my heart rate up

Any suggestions for maintaining weight loss without working out?

Skinnytime

Did you ask if you can do strength training with exercise/resistance bands? If you work slowly - not like you would for cardio your heart rate probably won't go up much at all. But ask first. I know that if I do weights at a slow pace, I don't even break a sweat.
Also, there are isometric exercises that you can do. Google it and you'll get a better explanation than I would be able to give you.
You may also be able to do bicep curls and such with no weight. Just go through the rep slowly and concentrate on the muscle you are working.
Good luck with your surgery and a speedy recovery!

TheJackyl

Honestly, you need to worry about your immediate health more than your longer term health goals right now. Eat healthy and let your body recover. Recovering from surgery where your doctor tells you that you cannot raise your heartrate is no time to worry about a few calories or even pounds.

dclarsh

Studies have shown that when it comes to weight loss and maintaining a healthy weight, diet is really the more important of the two components (diet and exercise), so fret not. This can be done.

I would suggest that you go up to your maintenance calories, and just try to hold your weight steady over the three weeks. Focus more on your recovery then dropping pounds.

Also, remember that when you get back into your regular workout routine, start from a couple steps back from where you were when you left off. Don't over do it, or you might hurt yourself and be off your feet even longer.

Hope you feel better soon! :flowerforyou:

hiddensecant

I agree .. bump up to maintenance and maintian a healthy and balanced diet until your doctor says it's safe to exercise again.