Are there any alternatives to strength training?

arulba
arulba Posts: 4
edited October 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
I recently learned that strength training serves a very different function than cardio. As I understand it, strength training does more for changing metabolism than does cardio. I gave it a try two days ago and have been in more pain than usual, since.

I broke a bone on the top of my foot 16 years ago. It seemed to have healed fine until about 7 years ago when I suddenly couldn't walk properly, anymore. The doctor says it is OK to use it, even though it is painful, so I've been doing cardio exercises every day despite the pain. But I'm afraid that strength training is going to be too painful and is going to make me want to quit exercising all together. I swam yesterday to stay off of my foot. Today I cycled. I can usually do this for 30 minutes very easily, but found it extremely difficult to do today because my foot hurt so much.

Is it better for me not to attempt strength training?Is there anything else I could do that might offer similar benefits in terms of bumping up my metabolism?

Thanks for your help!

Replies

  • dragonbug300
    dragonbug300 Posts: 760 Member
    What exercises hurt your foot? I imagine that the upper body/core exercises would be fairly easy, since you don't use your feet. There are also a plethora of strength training exercises to target your lower body that would probably not affect that bone so much. I would recommend a personal trainer to help you through this. There's really no replacement besides bodyweight exercises, which would require probably even more pressure on your foot to be effective.
  • jazzybean1
    jazzybean1 Posts: 113
    Strength training is excellent for so many reasons... you should go in to see a trainer to give you some safe alternative exercise that you would be able to do, would be worth your time:)
  • LaMujerMasBonitaDelMundo
    LaMujerMasBonitaDelMundo Posts: 3,634 Member
    Have you asked your fitness trainer on the proper way of doing it? You should also consider the programs that are right for beginners like you including the lb of weights that you can start with. With the way you say it, it sounds like you're not doing it properly.
  • wtbf
    wtbf Posts: 57
    I find that weight training hurts my foot less that cardio does. I think the suggestion of a personal trainer is a good one and they can find exercises that work good for you and your situation. Good luck and weight training really is great!
  • SLambertAlaska
    SLambertAlaska Posts: 197 Member
    It seems pretty strange to me that a doc would say that if your foot hurts, just use it anyway and not offer any suggestions on how to fix it I'd hate to see you spend the rest of your life in pain. Consider getting a second opinion.
  • Deathwithab
    Deathwithab Posts: 462 Member
    most strength training ive done dosnt use your feet hardly at all or there are less intence versions for the standing excersize
  • SimonBudding
    SimonBudding Posts: 2
    HI

    Having a 'dodgy' knee I use strength training when I can't cycle or walk, concentrating on core and upper body as it does not interfer with my knee. I would recommend going to the gym and talking to a trainer about relevent exercises that do not involve your foot - of which there are thousands!

    For me I have found strength training extremely useful, especially core exercises which have helped pull back in my stumach muscles, strengthen my back (whiich was shocking). Surprising what standing striaght and holding in your belly does for your posture!
  • arulba
    arulba Posts: 4
    Thanks for all of these responses.

    Sounds like the consensus is: 1) there is no substitute for strength training; 2) I should not opt out of strength training because is important in terms of physical health and weight loss; and 3) before I attempt to strength train, I should enlist the help of a personal trainer.

    This was just what I needed to convince myself that a personal trainer is worth the money. My husband was acting as my personal trainer. Probably not the best idea. :smile:
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