Whoever said this isn't a work out is full of it

leighoconnell

Whoever says crutches aren't a work out is full of it. I had my ankle reconstructed on Thursday and am now hobbling around downtown Denver on crutches with a 10 lbs splint on my ankle. I used to be a varsity tennis player and also hunt and hike and let me tell you this is one of the hardest workouts I've done. Not only do you work out your arms and shoulders by supporting your body weight every time you stand up, but you work out your one good leg by constantly balancing and hopping on it. In addition your injured leg gets some excersise because you must hold it up and the weight of the cast/splint. Just going a block on crutches and I'm out of breath and sweating like a pig. The good news is I am hoping it will help me lose weight and tone my arms.....plus it is now very hard to obtain food which keeps me from pigging out!! If only there were more gentlemen in Denver who would hold the door open.......:laugh:

Bratsche

I'd smack one of those guys upside the head with one of those crutches....they should be holding the door for you whether you're damaged or not!! What happened to chivalry??? (no offense men.. I know there are a few of you out there still and it is appreciated) :flowerforyou:

leighoconnell

I'd smack one of those guys upside the head with one of those crutches....they should be holding the door for you whether you're damaged or not!! What happened to chivalry??? (no offense men.. I know there are a few of you out there still and it is appreciated) :flowerforyou:

My fiance holds the door open for me but sadly he is in Scotland for a month...:grumble: oh well at least I get to move to Scotland soon and I heard they are a lot more chivalous.

maurierose

lol "walking with crutches" is in the exercise database, it HAS to be more strenuous!!! It definitely wears you out, be careful of your shoulders if you'll be on them for a long time. How's your ankle feeling?

Good luck with your recovery!!! I was on crutches for about 8 weeks.... I sympathize!!! Hang in there

As for doors, ask ANYONE to help you. If you see someone going through a door you're approaching, don't hesitate to say "EXCUSE ME PLEASE!! Could you please hold the door for me?" and I'm sure you'll get a great response out of 99% of the people. Denver *is* a friendly city. :happy:

:flowerforyou:

bbear

There are some pretty considerate guys up here in Ft. Collins. Maybe you should recover a few miles North

Hannah_Banana

I'd smack one of those guys upside the head with one of those crutches....they should be holding the door for you whether you're damaged or not!! What happened to chivalry??? (no offense men.. I know there are a few of you out there still and it is appreciated) :flowerforyou:

My fiance holds the door open for me but sadly he is in Scotland for a month...:grumble: oh well at least I get to move to Scotland soon and I heard they are a lot more chivalous.

Quite true. Chivalry is NOT dead in Scotland. Just steer clear of all the drugs. :laugh:

And I'm so jealous! I lived there for about 3 years as a young teen. Where are you moving to??

leighoconnell

There are some pretty considerate guys up here in Ft. Collins. Maybe you should recover a few miles North

Fort Collins is actually my hometown. Grew up right off of Loomis and Oak downtown. I'm a BIG CSU fan.

SamiRose

I had knee reconstructive surgery last summer...at age 20... :laugh:

and I was on crutches for roughly 3 months...it was awful! and soo hard!

My armpits hurt so bad! and like you said I would have normally jumped to go shopping, but just "Crutching" from the car to the entrance door made me break a sweat! and that "unit" of armor I had to wear on my ENTIRE left leg, not just the knee, weighed what felt like a ton at the time! I can totally sympathize with you!

leighoconnell

I'd smack one of those guys upside the head with one of those crutches....they should be holding the door for you whether you're damaged or not!! What happened to chivalry??? (no offense men.. I know there are a few of you out there still and it is appreciated) :flowerforyou:

My fiance holds the door open for me but sadly he is in Scotland for a month...:grumble: oh well at least I get to move to Scotland soon and I heard they are a lot more chivalous.

Quite true. Chivalry is NOT dead in Scotland. Just steer clear of all the drugs. :laugh:

And I'm so jealous! I lived there for about 3 years as a young teen. Where are you moving to??

My fiances grandmother just died so he inheritated an estate on about 200 acres of land outside of Edinburgh. Its gorgous!

Hannah_Banana

Quite true. Chivalry is NOT dead in Scotland. Just steer clear of all the drugs. :laugh:

And I'm so jealous! I lived there for about 3 years as a young teen. Where are you moving to??

My fiances grandmother just died so he inheritated an estate on about 200 acres of land outside of Edinburgh. Its gorgous!

Ahhh, oh my gosh!! My father was a Scot (he passed away when I was young) so I took some time and lived with his family in St Abbs. You are going to LOVE it. And visit St Abbs, its absolutely breathtaking. In fact, just visit everything!:bigsmile:

And feel better!! :flowerforyou:

plums

Quite true. Chivalry is NOT dead in Scotland. Just steer clear of all the drugs. :laugh:

And I'm so jealous! I lived there for about 3 years as a young teen. Where are you moving to??

My fiances grandmother just died so he inheritated an estate on about 200 acres of land outside of Edinburgh. Its gorgous!

Ahhh, oh my gosh!! My father was a Scot (he passed away when I was young) so I took some time and lived with his family in St Abbs. You are going to LOVE it. And visit St Abbs, its absolutely breathtaking. In fact, just visit everything!:bigsmile:

And feel better!! :flowerforyou:

This is my first post!
Do insist on man, woman or child holding the door for you for the weeks ahead. You deserve it!
Big move to Edinburgh.
It's a great city. Bust of Luck!

Poison5119

Not that you need to be told this (or maybe you do) but the general advice of getting used to crutches is to NOT balance on them using armpits, but rather your hands. The armpit pads should be held snugly under your arms, but the bulk of your weight should be on the hands.
Also, take smaller steps; it'll take you longer to get where you're going, but you won't be as worn out that way. HTH.... and best wishes for a speedy recovery.