are there any

[Julie W]

I can not stand up right now because of injuries recieved in a motorcyle accident. I had several breaks from my hip to ankle. Is there anything that I can do sitting down (besides an exercise bike and the like) to get some cardio in? I want to exercise but my body says no and the doc says only if it doesn't involve my hip and leg. HELP!!! :help:

[scorps]

glad to see you are doing okay, my partner had an "off" and broke his neck and back, pelvis, shouder and every rib in his body as well as severe head unjuries, however he maintains he got his strength and ability to walk back through swimming, he took it easy and concentrated on his upper body at first, hes not as fit as he was and not back on two wheels yet but be positive and you will be sorted. good luck

[Dodger]

Letting your body recover from the accident should be your first priority. It will be easy to regain the lost cardio fitness when you are recovered enough. Don't try to rush things.

[Julie W]

Thanks for responding. I know that letting my body heal is the most important thing. I guess it's just been so long (17 months) that I am getting anxious. I am losing weight but everything is jiggly,lol. I like the swimming idea. I'll have to check out our community center and see if it is handicap accessible.

[Brook]

You might want to check out something like Callanetics - it's essentially no-impact toning exercises that work incredibly well.

The tapes are old - so be warned. LOL But they're effective and she goes through and explains the modifications thoroughly. I'd suggest checking out half.com - you can get them dirt cheap there.

[cs_carver]

Saw some tapes for people who were chair-bound. I think they're at collagevideo.com.

[Julie W]

Thanks, I will check out those sites!

[Peanut16]

Thanks, I will check out those sites!

Julie: I'd also suggest taking a look at an oldie-but-goodie - a speedbag. I started using one about (eek!) 25+ years ago in martial arts, still use one, it gets the arms going nicely, raises your heart rate because you're using the arms above vertical, and creates beautious delts!! You can use either in a wheelchair or standing (whichever works best with your injuries). You can get one cheap at any sporting goods store.

HTH,

[kbfunTH]

Julie: I'd also suggest taking a look at an oldie-but-goodie - a speedbag. I started using one about (eek!) 25+ years ago in martial arts, still use one, it gets the arms going nicely, raises your heart rate because you're using the arms above vertical, and creates beautious delts!! You can use either in a wheelchair or standing (whichever works best with your injuries). You can get one cheap at any sporting goods store.

HTH,

Great suggestion! There's plenty of additional things you can do for upper body as well. You have to get creative without compromising safety.

[Peanut16]

Great suggestion! There's plenty of additional things you can do for upper body as well. You have to get creative without compromising safety.

Yes, sorry, I can't believe I actually said "because you're using the arms above vertical," - a complete brain fart, I obviously meant raising the arms above the horizontal plane, yeeesh.

And speedbags really do work wonders...even if my brain did have a menopause moment. <blush>.

HTH,

[Julie W]

Hey everyone! I wanted to say thanks for all the advice. I went back to my ortho last wednesday and all the news was good. I am now able to use an exercise bike!!! I am up to doing 2.4 miles in 12 minutes. I try to up it by .2 and keep the same time every day. I am now also allowed to put as much weight on my leg as I can stand!!! I know it doesn't sound like much, but I have been off my feet for over 17 months and being able to make it to the bathroom and back without crutches is a HUGE accomplishment for me. I am up to doing just that 5 times a day now. I even cooked supper and forgot and left my crutches in the kitchen tonite,lol. Again, thanks for all the tips!

[Julie W]

Found out 2 weeks ago after a CT of my hip, that I have to have my pelvic bone rebroken and a steel plate and pins put in it. As you can see by my pic, I am losing weight, but my belly still needs to be firmed up. I cannot do crunches because of my hip. Any ideas on what I can do that doesn't involve my hip to start tightening my belly. I am currently able to walk around the house without my crutches and I am able to ride a stationary bike, I do 5 miles a day on it. My legs are looking good and my arms are shaped better than my son's,lol. But I really need help on what I can do for my stomach. Thanks in advance for the help.

[Julie W]

Just a quick update.

Had a pelvic reconstruction with a sacral spinal fusion. It was a bit**!! The absolute worse pain I have had thru this whole ordeal. I had no idea a human could hurt that bad and survive,lol

I didn't have the money to get those videos, but I did get the speedbag. Man that thing is awesome!!!! Even DH is using it. I am doing a little walking now, not much, but have to start somewhere. I can do 100 leg lifts with my right leg, which is the side that is hurt. I can go all day long on the left one,lol Plus I have PT 5 days a week and have leg exercises I have to do on the 2 days I dont go to PT. I can't do real crunches yet, but I do have an ab exercise program that I got from a firend that is really making a difference. If anyone wants it let me know and I'll Pm it or post it. I have went down to a size 8 in jeans, which is a size smaller then what I was wearing at 133 lbs. I am at 141 now.

Well, so much for the "quick" update,lol I want to thank everyone for all the advice! You guys are awesome!