"working out" with limited mobility

[imagirliegirl]

I had a hip replacement a few weeks ago. So my life basically consists of laying in bed or sitting in a chair. I can walk with crutches, which I do as much as possible, but it's hardly exercise. It's gonna be awhile before I can do any exercise that remotely uses my legs.

I'm just looking for tips on ways to stay fit without using my legs. I know I can lift weights, but there has to be something else I can do!

Any recs on exercises or books would be fabulous. I have to eat, but unless I get something going on fairly soon I'm gonna get lumpy.

[Pine Tree]

There are some videos/books out there on chair aerobics/yoga/pilates. I know that our local rehab center even offers classes in chair yoga (and it's a small rural town) - call around I bet either a local rehab center or YMCA would have something.

[mrs_pell]

Actually, there are a lot of exercises that you can do (and SHOULD do) for you leg! Did you ever have PT? They should have given you some exercises. What are your specific restrictions for that leg? Can you weight bear on it? I'm guessing the restrictions are more about bending, crossing your legs, and turning in. If those are it, I can give you some exercises for your leg if you don't already have some. Send me a PM if you want. :)

[Ali]

There are some videos/books out there on chair aerobics/yoga/pilates. I know that our local rehab center even offers classes in chair yoga (and it's a small rural town) - call around I bet either a local rehab center or YMCA would have something.

Yeah, when I was a kid they were referred to as "sitter-cizes" (sp?)

We spent a day in pe class doing them. :p

[Mellow_Water1]

I do exercises in a therapeutic (>95 degree) pool, as prescribed by a doctor. The resistance of the water is much easier on the joints and muscles than conventional land therapy. At first I did it with the aid of a physical therapist, but since my prescription expired, I do the exercises on my own in the pool for a monthly fee, as advised by the physical therapist.

This is the second aquatic therapy program I've been in, just to maintain fitness (I have CP). The first time I started a program was 10 years ago, after tendon-lengthening surgery; I rotated from water- to land-therapy every other week.

I think you should look into it and see if doctors advise it for you.

[imagirliegirl]

Thanks, ladies. :)

Mellow_Water - my doctor does recommend using the pool (swimming, water aerobics with the grannies) but I can't submerge my incision site just yet. But I think that will be a great place to workout.