Where can I find a fitness program for people who can not bear weight on the right ankle.?

Question

A bike is no good because of bone on bone contact, rowing same problem. The gym I went to only let me use the upper body machines, no cardio at all. My legs ache due to the lack of exercise. My calf has lost mass due to lack of exercise. I tried a water arobics class, didn't get my heart rate up and a lot of it was in neck deep water and involved jumping up and down in the pool.
I also would prefer to exercise at home.

Answer 1

I too suffer with right ankle pain/discomfort. It was from an injury many years ago and multiple attempts at corrective surgery.
Water aerobics can be great, but you do have to be self motivated to get your heart rate up. Deep Water classes are amazing for this - when you get the right instructor.
For exercise at home - think Pilates, Yoga, stability ball. You may also want to try some chair aerobics. I teach a few classes a week of this and yes you can get your heart rate up and break a sweat without ever putting pressure on your ankle. Get yourself some light weights, a stretch band and a 8 - 12 inch rubber ball. Once you are ready to try let me know and I'll share a few secretes. You may also want to check your area for Silver Sneakers classes.
PS for some pain relief consider accupunture - it worked wonders for me.

Answer 2

swimming is good.. what does the doctor say about your ankle? my wife had a bad left ankle after getting surgery on it.. it hurt her for years.. but the doctor told her she should not baby it and that she needs to keep using it.. we've been doing Kung Fu and Tai Chi for a few years now and she's noticed a big improvement in her ankle! she can play Dance Dance Revolution without any problems.. I'm sure it would've been too painful for her a few years ago.. just check with a doctor though.. maybe you're supposed to baby your ankle.. I don't know..

Answer 3

was going to suggest water aerobics, but sounds like that didnt work for you,
try yoga, they make a ton of videos, even yoga for dummies, pilates for dummies..you will be amazed at the workout you get..they look so simple..
these are good videos to start with, they teach the very basics, dont assume you know what they are talking about. once you are comfortable there, you can choose to progress to another video..
there is also a program called aerobic breathing, by greer childers, that will combine very deep breathing with a lot of yogic type holds..that will increase your heart rate, and strengthen your muscles..that may be what you are looking for.
dont know what else to suggest, to really get your heart rate up, most times you need to jump around..

good luck

Answer 4

Well, there is a product called a UBE.

www.fitnessplus.com/cybex_ube_exercise_bike_129_prd1.htm -

This is an upper body cardio bike. It's not cheap but if you look hard you may be able to find something cheaper.

As for your atrophying calf muscle...ankle pumps while lying is all I can suggest.

Answer 5

What about the eliptical. it doesn't bear that much stress to the knees and ankles. and the tread climber. supposed to be good it is eccentially a stair stepper on a treadmill kinda. you stairs are always moving like a treadmill. I don't know if i explained it well enought but that is what it is and they are supposed to be good on the knees and ankles too. both are in-home equipment pieces should be able to get on late night infomercials or SEARS

Answer 6

Swim laps in the pool, that is more strenous than water aerobics, which is geared towards old, overweight ladies.

I can't think of any cardio you can do at home. You can exercise your upper body using weights (bench press, etc).

Answer 7

I would just say to swim laps in a pool or modify an existing program to ease trauma to your ankle.