Seated Cardio Workout for Back Injury.... ?

delilah47 · April 2012

I seriously injured my back over 10 years ago. I was in very good shape and aerobically fit for most of my life before that. I have tried just dieting a few times and went down (some) then back up every time. In January, I finally decided it was time to do something serious as my weight was still creeping up. I discovered MFP and started here in January at 239 pounds and have lost about 18 pounds. I still have about 65 pounds to go. I have done some limited exercise while trying not to put pressure on my back, but it’s risky (and painful) every time. I recently saw an ad for a seated cardio workout, but it was for geezers (older geezers than me). I’m 64, but don’t consider myself a total geezer yet. The music they were exercising to would put me to sleep. You know, like Debbie Boone’s You Light Up My Life or Ray Stevens’ Everything is Beautiful. I prefer faster classic-rock ‘n’ roll music to work out to. Does anyone know of any seated video workouts that may not put me to sleep. Any suggestions are welcome. And, if anyone knows of any other methods of working out (cardio) with a totally disabled back I would sure like to find out about them. I will be joining the Y in a few months and will try swimming, but I’m concerned there will be too much twisting involved. That motion could cause further damage to my back. Even the twisting of a recumbent, or regular, exercise bike is too much. Been there, bought one, did that. Your suggestions will be totally appreciated. Thanks!

Gotta run now, but will be checking back tomorrow.

delilah47 · April 2012

Anyone?

migoi357 · April 2012

Find a recumbent stationary bike?

dezi718 · April 2012

I only have one idea and it came from Jillian Michaels on her 30 Day Shred DVD...punching gets your heart rate up quite a bit and if you can handle holding some small weights that helps. Jillian recommends it if you have any sort of lower body injury. Sorry, I know it isn't much, but good luck finding more ideas!

cheddar2000 · April 2012

I started in the pool but not swimming, just gently walking back and forth and built on that slowly. After a year of totally in the pool I was able to move out of it for walking, low impact aerobics, and exercise bike. Main thing for me is to listen to my body and on bad days with my back (stenosis, herniated discs, pinch nerves, etc.) I go back to gently walking in the pool. Good Luck!

jenilla1 · April 2012

I think they were scared away by the music selections...

Do you or did you ever have a physical therapist? Maybe someone like that could suggest a program? :flowerforyou:

Gail3260 · April 2012

Try to get to a swimming pool.....you don't actually have to swim. I see plenty of people who just walk up and down. I do aquafit and the instructor says that you get 7 times the resistance from water than you do in the air.

blazergrad · April 2012

I use a MagneTrainer ER ... basically a stationary ergonometer that you can pedal with either your hands (desktop) or feet.

http://www.amazon.com/MagneTrainer-ER-Mini-Exercise-Bike-Exerciser/dp/B000V53KD8/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1334751211&sr=8-10

illecl · April 2012

I'm an avid water aerobics fan, but several injured athletes use the gym's pool to simply run in the water. They said they can get a better burn by using a flotation vest and resistors on their arms (some use leg resistors too). They really make some waves, and look great. I started water aerobics after foot surgery and kept it up after back surgery. The workout is whatever you put into it. Amazon.com has swim resistors and belts. So does swimoutlet.com.

Best wishes on your return to health

Lolli1986 · April 2012

Gosh, I feel for you. I had various groin injuries over the space of 2 years that stopped me from doing any leg or core work. I could walk, but not far or for long, just enough to be able to go to work and get a few days worth of groceries, etc.

I discovered that every little bit counts. I bought a wii and flailed my arms around. I did multiple little walks (or whatever little movements you can do). I know it sounds silly, but those 30 cals or whatever a few times a day do end up adding up, at least enough that i maintained, maybe even lost a bit in combination with diet. If you can't swim (I couldn't) it does still help to splash around. Punching the air is amazing and can really push your heart rate up.

I've also heard that there are 'chairobics' videos on youtube, and things such as couch or bed yoga.

Haha, by the way I am far from geezer-status and I had to do these things.

But, having said all that, the most important thing is not to injure yourself further. Because i am young I was pressured a lot (mostly by my ex) to move around more. If it's not possible, it's not possible, and well... you've had this for 10 years so by now you know your limits.

delilah47 · April 2012

Thanks for all your ideas...
@ migo - I have had a recumbent bike and used it for a while until I twisted just a little too much. From then on it caused too much pain.
@ dezi - I do some punching. It's surprising, but it's a pretty good workout, especially for the arms and shoulders, but some cardio benefit as well.
@ - cheddar & illecl - That's a terrific idea. I can see myself walking in deep water about chest high. I noticed they DO have water weights at the Y as well. I wouldn't necessarily have to swim.
@ blazergrad - I had one of those quite some time back. I just never felt right with it. Thanks for the suggestion. I may have to revisit that one.
@ lolli - Thanks for the encouragement. Looking back, I have done quite a few "little things", and yes, they do add up and help.

Thanks again. You guys have got me thinking the right way again. I totally appreciate your responses. :flowerforyou:

Seated Cardio Workout for Back Injury.... ?

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