50 years old and trying to get back into shape after rupturing my Achilles tendon a few years ago

ijohnston1762
ijohnston1762 Posts: 1
edited November 13 in Getting Started
I just turned 50 and I was always very active until I ruptured my achilles tendon 3 years ago. That really set me back in what I was used to doing and now I have to rethink what exercises I can safely do without the side effects of a weakened achilles. I do a lot of hiking with my dog and try to incorporate some strength exercises during the walks like squats, lunges etc. I have found that tracking my food intake and exercise output on this program is a great way to watch what I eat and motivates me to exercise more. Any other suggestions for other outdoor exercise and for keeping motivated and are appreciated.

Replies

  • queenliz99
    queenliz99 Posts: 15,317 Member
    Weight loss is created in the kitchen, exercise is for health. Have you a bike, biking can be fun. Swimming is easy on the joints, too!!
  • SergeantSausage
    SergeantSausage Posts: 1,673 Member
    I feels ya (though not quite as bad).

    45 years old and 2 years of extreme Achilles Tendonitis (both sides ) just recently behind me - able to come back to running last November after 2+ years of trying.

    Finally fully recovered but it was years of not walking in the morning after waking up (literally stumbling down the hallway) and minimal running/exercise. Barely able to get up and move after sitting for more than 20 minutes. They were pretty OK if I kept moving but woe to me if I stopped and got off my feet for a few minutes.

    Mine was just Tendonitis. I shudder to think of actual torn/ruptures achilkes. <shudder>

    In my experience, Achilles are the ... well ... Achilles Heel of active/athletic folks. Under appreciated until something goes wrong - and then devastatingly incapacitating.
  • cpav444
    cpav444 Posts: 10 Member
    Hi !

    What is your achilles tendon preventing you from doing...running ?
    So no jogging with your dog ?
    Maybe you can go biking with him.
    Does he know any tricks and/or basic obedience that you could put together into simple short freestyle routines to get you moving in different ways ?

  • ErnManBiker
    ErnManBiker Posts: 4
    I agree with Queenliz99. Riding a bike is good. Of course I'm bias but that said, I discovered it years ago, age 29, when the knee that had cartilage removed in High School finally complained enough that I made a decision to save the knee and change my sport from running to cycling. Regardless of what outdoor activity you do, be sure to push the body as hard as you can, followed by a resting period (not a stopping period) and then pick it up again and work hard. Pushing the body is the absolute key to success. Don't fool yourself that walking or easy cycling is going to get you fit. It will for a while because you've been mostly sedentary. All of this of course, depends on the goals you've set for yourself. Good luck and stay motivated.
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