exercising after breaking my leg in 3 places

lynsaymwood
lynsaymwood Posts: 1 Member
edited April 2019 in Getting Started
Hello everyone! I want so much to get into fitness but I'm not sure where to begin. Back in 2017, I was hit by a car and broke my leg in 3 places. Thankfully, I am fine and can walk well but still remain limited. I have permanet metal hardware in my leg which makes many things difficult, such as running or kneeling. I really want to start working out but I don't know where to begin. I know it's been two years but it still feels like I'm trying to get back into the swing of things. :( Has anyone dealt with a similar experience? Do you have any tips for light but effective work outs? I plan on joining a gym soon but am nervous because I really don't know what I'm doing and don't want to look dumb. Sometimes I just want to hide at home with my snacks.

Replies

  • Dilvish
    Dilvish Posts: 398 Member
    Yup, when in doubt see a physiotherapist. In the event that that isn't possible, just start slow. Any exercise is beneficial if you do it regularly.

    Why not just start with walking? Go for brisk walks or long walks and get a couple of small hand weights (1 or 2 lbs. ought to suffice) to get some upper body exercise while you are walking. Strap on the MP3 player and enjoy the great outdoors!!!

    You may also want to consider water walking or water calisthenics at the local pool. They are great exercises for people with mobility issues or just starting out with exercise. The water makes you virtually weightless so it is easy on the joints.
  • texasredreb
    texasredreb Posts: 541 Member
    Get with your orthopedic doctor and/or PT. Any advice you get on here is going to be much more generic than the specific advise you need for your specific situation.

    What a scary thing to have happened to you! I'm glad you are well enough to want to exercise!
  • aokoye
    aokoye Posts: 3,495 Member
    I going to echo the current advice, if you haven't seen a physical therapist I'd strongly suggest doing so. People can and do definitely get back to sport after major injuries, but it takes being very deliberate about what you're doing and how quickly you scale things up.
  • girlwithcurls2
    girlwithcurls2 Posts: 2,281 Member
    Do you have access to a pool? I took up water fitness again nearly 5 years ago, and learned to swim laps too. It's a great full body workout.
    I also second working with a professional. No sense in risking further injury.
  • jo_nz
    jo_nz Posts: 548 Member
    I broke my ankle in three places back in 2014 - it was a mess. It was a long road to recovery, and I actually had the hardware removed just over a year ago which has made a huge difference for me. It definitely took years to heal and strengthen and regain most of my range of movement.

    My physiotherapist also gave me a range of exercises to do - first with just body weight, then carrying a load (a backpack filled with increasing weights)

    Walking and swimming were great to start with, and I started doing tai chi which was good for balance.

    Eventually, I joined a gym and I found working on the leg press at the gym quite good.


  • 200x50xmack
    200x50xmack Posts: 15 Member
    Concur with all who say "Seek Professional Advice First."

    I'm currently rehabbing from fairly significant shoulder surgery - honestly, I am currently frustrated and feeling very limited, but know that it's the right thing to listen to the Pros, take my time, and not do something that will break/undo everything that got fixed.
  • jfree49
    jfree49 Posts: 3 Member
    In the same boat here following a head on collision, broken leg and damaged shoulder 3 months ago which is ruling out nearly all exercise. Plus being off work and stuck in the house all day means temptation is creeping in, despite the scales slowly going up. I was an avid runner beforehand, but its looking like low impact sport such as swimming or water walking are going to be the most I can manage for 18 months. I'm still only partial weight bearing at the minute. Some good advice here about speaking to a physio, I've got my appointment next week so will discuss it with her.

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