What to do when you can't strength train?

carld256

I have a spinal injury in my neck due to a fall years ago. I'm under strict Doctor's order to avoid lifting anything. If I do try any sort of lifting I end up with a nauseous headache, even with small hand weights. Is there any sort of upper body work I might be able to do that won't put a strain on my neck? I actually used to have a start on abs and pecs before I got hurt. :ohwell:

Moxie42

Hm, that's tough. Can you do push-ups? Or, if you have a gym membership, what about machines where you can pull/push the weights on the machines that use pulley-systems so the movements are smooth and you're sitting so your back is supported? I have no idea if that puts strain on the neck so I apologize if I'm suggesting something bad, but I thought they might be alternatives to lifting?

impyimpyaj

Talk to your doctor about this. Don't ask strangers on the internet. We don't know your specific injury, and you don't want to get hurt.

FatUncleRob

Talk to your doctor about this. Don't ask strangers on the internet. We don't know your specific injury, and you don't want to get hurt.

I agree! Sounds like you need advice from a trained medical professional.

Jacwhite22

What are your goals? If it is to lose fat / be more defined......eat less. It starts in the kitchen. Sounds like you shouldn't be lifting.

Meliklotz

Talk to your doctor about this. Don't ask strangers on the internet. We don't know your specific injury, and you don't want to get hurt.

^^
THIS

Chris_acc_can

Swimming

josavage

I agree with Chris - ask your doctor if you can swim. It's a great upper body workout and hopefully won't cause any kind of strain on your neck.

BAMFMeredith

Talk to your doctor about this. Don't ask strangers on the internet. We don't know your specific injury, and you don't want to get hurt.

I agree! Sounds like you need advice from a trained medical professional.

I agree with this. Yoga and/or pilates might be a good bet for you, but I'd definitely check with your doctor first.

Jacwhite22

I agree with Chris - ask your doctor if you can swim. It's a great upper body workout and hopefully won't cause any kind of strain on your neck.

Just don't turn your head to breathe.

hrtoftx

Talk to your doctor about this. Don't ask strangers on the internet. We don't know your specific injury, and you don't want to get hurt.

Totally agree....we dont know what your specific issues are and we would be remiss in giving you ideas. Please speak to your doctor he/she will give you ideas on how you can work out.

GasMasterFlash

u shuld ask one of those beachbody coches they no a lot and their r lots of them here

Deltafliers

Ask you doctor about this one if you are interested. I like rowing machines; they are aerobic and anaerobic, which means they are cardio and strength at the same time. Rowing machines are considered low impact; AND proper form requires you to keep you back straight and aligned. If this does interest you go to you tube and look up proper form for rowing machines. It might also be fun for you to google "muscles worked with a rowing machine". Hope this is useful. )

carld256

Talk to your doctor about this. Don't ask strangers on the internet. We don't know your specific injury, and you don't want to get hurt.

Thanks, I did initially discuss it with my Dr., hence the no lifting, no workout order, all I'm allowed is walking. I'm looking for suggestions I can ask him about. I'm not about to start something without his okay. I like having a functional spinal cord.

carld256

I'll ask him about swimming and rowing. I've tried doing a few wall pushups, which don't seem too bad. As for goals, I have to be realistic. I don't think I'll ever be muscular or defined, but not-saggy would be nice.