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PLEASE HELP!!! Need help with how to do cardio!

caryn7780
caryn7780 Posts: 54 Member
edited January 9 in Fitness and Exercise
I am really hoping someone can help me. I am medically retired from the Army, after having surgery on both of my hips and injuring my ankle. My surgery was because I had bone spurs in my hip joints and the doctor had to cut open my hip, detach the muscle, move the nerves and file the bones down. I have chronic bursitis in both hip joints, plantar fasciitis in both feet and a weak ankle from a deployment injury. I am finding that all of these issues are seriously limiting my cardio options. I know that losing weight will help with all of these issues and take a lot of pressure off my joints and stuff but I am having issues finding something to do. I should also mention that I cannot do any exercises that require hip flexor muscles because there was a mistake made in my left hip and my hip flexor is not able to be strengthened. Here is what I have done:

- I have tried the elliptical and standing for an extended period of time hurts my feet a lot.
- Tread mills are too high impact on my hips and my ankle
- The range of motion required by the bicycle (bringing my knees up toward my chest) is extremely painful.
- Stair stepper is a lot of pain as well on the hip joints and my ankle.

Does anyone have anything I can do for extended cardio that will help me to burn calories and not cause me to be in extreme pain for several days after each workout.

Replies

  • mjwarford
    mjwarford Posts: 35 Member
    What about swimming or water walking?
  • Troublemonster
    Troublemonster Posts: 223 Member
    Rowing or hand bike come to mind, the rowing machine is pretty self explanatory but could still be hard on your hips. The hand bike is like an inverted bike you pedal with your hands, they are used frequently for amputees and other folks who have mobility issues to still be able to exercise.

    Otherwise swimming would probably be a great option for you.
  • Jadickin3
    Jadickin3 Posts: 1
    Swimming is likely your best option. I have some pretty terrible joint issues from time to time and my doctor recommended swimming.

    If you can't swim, I believe they have cardio programs for the wheelchair bound. It might be a good way for you do cardio only using your top. For example: Sitting in a chair, raise up your arms, and pretend to punch a speed bag as fast as you can for a minute, you will feel your heart rate rise.
  • MissJanet55
    MissJanet55 Posts: 457 Member
    That sounds challenging. I struggle to find low impact activities as well due to injuries.

    Does the reccumbent bike give you as much trouble? Other than that, I would suggest swimming, and perhaps walking if that works for you. Best of luck finding something that works for you.
  • roadmapmaker
    roadmapmaker Posts: 120 Member
    First - Thank you for your service!
    Iwould do some pool exercises using a hand sized ball in the water. this can help a bit. go to a good foot doctor too. I always get planter fac and you can develop spurs there also. I have gotten psuedo steroid shots that calmed them down along with good arch supports.
  • akj_25
    akj_25 Posts: 244 Member
    punches - throw several punches in the air and move/ twist your upper body while doing it. you will be surprised how much that get the heart going.
This discussion has been closed.

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