Can going on walks with crutches help keep you in some kind of shape?

Question

I broke my foot and will be on crutches awhile. I have always been a power walker and also do some running. I just want to maintain some kind of aerobic fitness. I can't ride a bicycle right now with a broken foot. I've noticed how much more difficult it is walking on crutches than regular walking. Does anyone have any suggestions?

Answer 1

i have been on crutches for almost 4 months now. at first it was very hard - i couldnt walk more than 3 blocks and i had to have water with me wherever i went because i had faint spells. now its easier, my arms are rock hard (im female, 24, WAS dancer - was because i have 8 tib/fib fractures) and i do a little ab workouts plus flex abs when walk on crutches. even now it takes me about 1 hour to go to the store two blocks away and when i get home (i live on 3rd fl in city) i feel like i had worked out in the gym for 2-3 hours.

Answer 2

I have had three knee surgeries in the past 5 months and have been on crutches most of that time. I was very active before and it has been difficult on me. I have been doing TONS of upper body work. I bought a couple of ab and arm dvds and have been doing them religiously and I think I look great. I figure I will focus on the bottome half of me once I am healed and able to work out again. That's my suggestion to you. You are going to need physical therapy once you get your cast off so once that starts then focus on your lower body.