Do you think there will be a large weight gain in a person who has a broken leg and cannot excercise?

Question

I recently broke my foot 2 weeks ago and just got a cast put on it last week (it goes all the way up to my knee). I'm on crutches so i'm still 'excercising' in that sense, but it even hurts my foot when I do things like sit ups or ab excercises. I have this cast for another 6 weeks, and I cannot afford to gain any weight! I'm not overweight, but with things like spring break - you know. Do you guys have any idea what type of excercises where I will positively NOT move my foot and still can loose weight?

Answer 1

You should not try to lose weight when your body is trying to heal a bone. you will just slow the healing down. You are using extra calories to move around on your crutches, you could also get a pair of dumbells and do some arm and shoulder exercises.

Answer 2

I'm in the same situation and I've gained some weight I think... The important thing is to resist eating junk food or high calorie food for comfort or because you're bored or depressed. Otherwise be good to yourself, try to do things you enjoy that don't involve eating.

As for exercise, I found getting to the bathroom on crutches strenuous enough at first, esp. since everything hurt, ached or throbbed. Now I'm using moderate weight dumbells for upper body, although full body exercises like pushups, situps, etc. are still pretty much out of the question.

Actually losing weight probably won't happen though. Sorry.

Answer 3

From someone who is a nursing student...first, please check with your doctor and share these concerns with him/her. They will be able to best advise you as to how you can exercise without further injury at this point.
Secondly, one way to avoid gaining weight is to eat a healthy diet. Making changes in your eating habits can make a big difference.
As always, before any workout, please stretch for several minutes (usually 15 to 20 mins is recommended) to prevent injury and promote growth of the muscle.
One suggestion is to start with upper body work. If you have a set of small weights, try lifting with small weights
Start with 3 to 5 lbs and multiple reps--15 to 20--lift slowly and with good form. You can do a bench press overhead, or work a number of different muscle groups with combinations.
One I like is keeping your arms bent at 90 degrees, elbows paralell to the floor, and pressing inward with the weights(this will work your triceps).
Please remember to stretch when you are done for 15 minutes as well--this will often prevent your muscles from becoming cramped and sore the following day, and will help prevent injury.