workouts for the broken-knee types

**altagirl** · 09-30-2004, 10:21 AM

Okay, so I'm banned from even the stationary bike until I see my doc again on Monday. I've been doing the upper body stationary bike thing (like a bike but with the pedals up and chest height and hand grips....) I'm not used to it and it's making my shoulders hurt. (I need that, really...) Therefore I'm trying to at least find some stuff to alternate with.

So last night I figured I'd try to swim and just not use my right leg. Yeah, that just makes me feel retarded. You pretty much sink when you're not kicking... so I could do a pseudo-breaststroke, but it's beyond slow and my timing seems to feel all messed up. It's not like I'm going to drown or anything - it just sucks.

I know it's only a few more days til I see the doc again, and I can kinda keep myself occupied with upper body workouts, but the lack of cardio is making me nuts. Ideas?

**basom** · 09-30-2004, 10:28 AM

bike is the least impact cardio you can do (i think full upright bike is less impact than recumbant, i was told not to use that guy for rehab). if thats out, then i'm guessing no dice.

give 'er to the pull up machine, that thing makes me sweat alot anyways.

**joshbu** · 09-30-2004, 11:01 AM

Do supersets and keep your rest times down. It's really hard to burn a lot of calories with upper body only, because the muscles aren't big enough.

KQ · 09-30-2004, 11:13 AM

Originally Posted by altagirl

So last night I figured I'd try to swim and just not use my right leg. Yeah, that just makes me feel retarded. You pretty much sink when you're not kicking... so I could do a pseudo-breaststroke, but it's beyond slow and my timing seems to feel all messed up. It's not like I'm going to drown or anything - it just sucks.

Use a pull buoy and you won't sink. I do all kinds of drill without kicking. Not sure how much mobility you have in your right leg but you might try kicking on your back (arms overhead hands together). This is a great work out for your hamstrings, lower back and abs.

**Oarhead** · 09-30-2004, 11:14 AM

For swimming use a pull-buoy. It is a foam float that fits between your thighs/knees or shins when you swim so that your legs don't sink. It looks like an hourglass or 2 cylinders tierd together. It makes like a lot easier.

Edit: KQ too fast.

**altagirl** · 09-30-2004, 11:15 AM

Cool - gotta check with the gym staff and see if they have those...

**The AD** · 09-30-2004, 11:20 AM

Yes, use a pull buoy. There are a couple styles:

With the buoy the only thing that could aggravate your knee is pushing off the wall.

And you can't find one you can also put a kickboard between your legs and cross your legs to hold it in place. This could put some pressure on your knees, though.

KQ · 09-30-2004, 11:21 AM

Originally Posted by The AD

Yes, use a pull buoy. There are a couple styles:

Opt for the above if you can - it's a lot more comfortable

(edit: btw - big end goes down)

**Tyrone Shoelaces** · 09-30-2004, 11:41 AM

posted this in the other thread i started today...but in case ya missed it...

wear these to your PT workouts

www.cafepress.com/kneesblow

**teledave** · 09-30-2004, 11:42 AM

Originally Posted by Buzzworthy

This is bad, but I am in that kind of mood.

What about sex with some dude named Mr. Altagirl and lots of it. Cardio, stress relief, body workout.

That's how I got my son, except I was the one with the busted knee.

**The AD** · 09-30-2004, 11:44 AM

Originally Posted by Buzzworthy

This is bad, but I am in that kind of mood.

Your wife is only a few months pregnant, right? I hope she hasn't cut you off yet!

**seldon** · 09-30-2004, 12:09 PM

Originally Posted by teledave

That's how I got my son, except I was the one with the busted knee.

You got your son by having sex with Mr. Altagirl?

I think somebodies got some 'splaining to do.

**altagirl** · 09-30-2004, 12:17 PM

Heh. Surprised it took that long for someone to suggest sex...

**altagirl** · 09-30-2004, 12:19 PM

Originally Posted by Tyrone Shoelaces

posted this in the other thread i started today...but in case ya missed it...

wear these to your PT workouts

www.cafepress.com/kneesblow

I ordered one a few minutes after you posted it.

**teledave** · 09-30-2004, 12:21 PM

Originally Posted by seldon

You got your son by having sex with Mr. Altagirl?

I think somebodies got some 'splaining to do.

I hope he's already told her about that operation, it would be really embarassing to have your wife find out about something like that on a message board.

**Buzzworthy** · 09-30-2004, 12:33 PM

Originally Posted by altagirl

Heh. Surprised it took that long for someone to suggest sex...

Im shy. No really I am.

**altachic** · 09-30-2004, 12:57 PM

buzz has a good idea here, have lots of sex...

Or, when i blew my knee, i used that stationary upper body deal you speak of and i used it a lot, i swam, but felt awkward doing that. I lifted and tried to make the best of it, that's about all you can do.

Best of luck AG.

**cololi** · 09-30-2004, 01:14 PM

I did a lot of swimming with one of those pool bouys between my torn acl diagnosis and surgery (about 30 days). They eliminate the awkwardness after a few laps. I wore out pretty fast, after about 10 laps, but managed about 25 minutes of swimming per work out.