We are pleased to announce that as of March 4, 2025, an updated Rich Text Editor has been introduced in the MyFitnessPal Community. To learn more about the changes, please click here. We look forward to sharing this new feature with you!

What Do You Do When You Can't Do What You Used to Do?

sandikallas
sandikallas Posts: 1 Member
edited February 10 in Fitness and Exercise
I have some issues that have really limited my activity. Back in 2007, I suffered a pubic ramus stress fracture that was misdiagnosed for 5 months. It was another year before I was able to find a surgeon and work through the insurance approvals to get that taken care of. So, the first half of 2009 was spent recoverring from surgery. Before that, I had been working out at the gym, running, and doing yoga. Afterwards, I was told that I should never run again. So, I did walking and pilates as my main workouts until I had gallbladder problems. In 2012, I started experiencing pain in my hip, especially while walking. It turned out that I have spinal stenosis from a misaligned vertebra. Walking is very painful, so I do the recumbent bike at the gym, but it doesn't do much for me. I know I need to do some weight training, but I'm afraid of hurting my back more. I really miss running and walking, but I just can't do it anymore. I used to love hiking, but I can't even imagine doing that now. I am taking meds and get regular epiduaral steroid injections, but that just helps me function on a day-to-day basis.

I need to lose about 40-50 lbs. It won't eliminate my problems, but it should help. I'm 52 years old and I've learned over the years that my weight can't be controlled through diet alone. I've always been careful about what I eat, but it's not enough. I need to be working out hard, but I just can't. What do you do when you just can't do what you used to do?

Replies

  • 5thbidness
    5thbidness Posts: 34 Member
    biking indoors can be boring--what about switching up the workouts with speed intervals one day; resistance intervals the next; a long easy spin; a short, fast ride; etc.? water based activities such as swimming or aquafit to minimize the impact? have you considered asking your surgeon/GP for ideas or a referral to a physiotherapist who can assist you in determining which activites and volumes are appropriate for your new circumstances?
  • amandarunning
    amandarunning Posts: 306 Member
    Can you swim? Is that possible? When I was recovering (more than once) from a tibial stress fracture and couldn't run I used the pool instead. Did the same sessions (long swims, intervals etc) and worked on a 4:1 ratio (4m run = 1m swim in "effort"). End result was I felt fitter and was leaner than I ever got running.

    Not great for bone density though which has to be a consideration?
This discussion has been closed.

Categories