Cardio workouts with a broken ankle

I am not much of a gym person, but I was very active, with an active job, horseback riding, and serious dancing four to five nights a week (I am/was still overweight because I felt all that activity justified eating whatever I wanted, but that's a different story). And then I broke my ankle and quit my job.

I am just starting to walk, partial weight bearing for a few more weeks, but it's still going to be several months before I can strap into my latin shoes or get on a horse. I'm just sitting around all day, and my question is, does anyone have experience with cardio exercise when you can't stand or put weight on one foot?

I am already doing a short daily core workout and a more intense core workout three days a week, and I tried some pushups by crossing the broken ankle over my good leg (this is how I plank), but I don't have a lot of enthusiasm for repetitive exercise. Bad excuse, I know.

Would love some ideas for cardio/burning calories when I can't even walk. I do log the walking I do with the crutches, but I'm not supposed to walk for exercise, so I am resisting the urge to do extra.

Replies

  • musenchild
    musenchild Posts: 182 Member
    Really? Nobody has ANY ideas?
  • Cardio with a broken ankle is a dangerous game! I hurt my foot awhile back with cardio all i could do were upper body exercises i did 400 crunches (still do) and light yoga, id recommend staying off your foot if your very desperate stay with your calorie countimg, as well as maybe light walking really all you can do is upper body. Perhaps try pilates or some light yoga thats all i could do and i was crying by the end haha yelling at myself push it!!
  • Lift_hard_eat_big
    Lift_hard_eat_big Posts: 2,278 Member
    Row machine
  • booksavvybabe
    booksavvybabe Posts: 26 Member
    Are you in a cast? You might enjoy swimming, some gyms have pools (I don't know if you can do that w/ a broken foot or not)... Unfortunately, I don't think there is really much cardio you can do with a broken foot. The best thing would probably be to really watch your calorie intake and keep up your strength until the doctor gives you clearance for more. My guess is the exercise bike will be in your future
  • lwagnitz
    lwagnitz Posts: 1,321 Member
    Chair shadow boxing. Or you can do pilates mat work... not much cardio but it works up a good sweat
  • maureendonahue
    maureendonahue Posts: 468 Member
    My suggestion would be to google or look on youtube for cardio for people in wheelchairs. I forget the sites, but they have really helped my son.

    Good luck!