Exercising with a broken arm?

bexamous92

My exercise usually consists of running daily, but I've broken my arm this week so that's not going to be possible for a while For the last few days I've been taking a break from my diet - I've been sat in the couch watching tv, eating ice cream, and generally feeling a bit sorry for myself.

I've now got a bit of movement back and the pain's stopped so I'm ready to start getting active again. I'm going on holiday in a month (hopefully my cast will be off by then!!) so I'd like to lose a few more pounds before then.

I've started going for a walk every day, but I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions for more strenuous exercises that don't require your arms and don't put me at too much risk of knocking it?

the_green_midget

You can try squats and lunges.... stuff that works the lower body.

xxnellie146xx

Do you have access to a gym?

Squats, leg lifts...

NKF92879

How about a stationary bike?

pwittek10

Your legs still walk, your arm in a slightly bent
position makes it perfect. Watch those abs
and all you have to do is walk!

SithChicky

That stinks! I sprained my knee last week, it's still very sore. I just started my diet yesterday, I can't wait to start exercising again too, hopefully this is the last diet/exercise attempt for me. Seriously motivated this time. I've been wondering what I can do too, with the bummed knee. I'm thinking of trying a walk today, but I take my kids when I go for walks and they always want to be pulled in their wagon. Maybe you can just try going for a walk, or leg lifts, stuff like that.

Wuggums

I broke my arm last winter and had to be put back together with a plate and a bunch of screws. After being in a cast after surgery for about 1.5 weeks, I was then in a molded plastic brace for another 8 weeks. I could take the brace off for showers and physical therapy, but it was still quite a hassle. During that time, I was able to do almost everything I normally did - walking, jogging, stationary bike, elliptical, swimming. I even still did some DVDs - I just stayed away from any moves that required me to put a lot of weight on my bad arm - planks, push-ups, etc. In fact, it took about a year for me to be able to fully support myself on my broken arm without any issue.

BeSophisticate

I broke my arm last winter and had to be put back together with a plate and a bunch of screws. After being in a cast after surgery for about 1.5 weeks, I was then in a molded plastic brace for another 8 weeks. I could take the brace off for showers and physical therapy, but it was still quite a hassle. During that time, I was able to do almost everything I normally did - walking, jogging, stationary bike, elliptical, swimming. I even still did some DVDs - I just stayed away from any moves that required me to put a lot of weight on my bad arm - planks, push-ups, etc. In fact, it took about a year for me to be able to fully support myself on my broken arm without any issue.

This. I had a broken leg that had to be reassembled and was left with some lovely parting gifts. That was five years ago and I'm still unable to jog or run, or even be on my feet for long stretches of time without real pain.

I wouldn't think the a broken arm would cause the same sort of issues for working out. Once the pain is such that it's under control, I would think you could carry on normally (minus the weight bearing exercises for the arms). Just keep an eye on the swelling. That's extremely important. If you don't keep the swelling down, the injury will heal more slowly. If it hurts, don't do it. If it doesn't, it's fine. Even after it heals, it will probably throb occaisionally for a while. That will lessen with time.

BeSophisticate

Oh, and always do what the physical therapist tells you! That, I can just about gaurantee, will hurt, but it's necessary. It's extremely unlikely they don't know what they're doing. Listen to them!