better workout when injured?

[mariep]

Hi, Cathe--I've been battling a knee injury since before Christmas (I'm truly with you in spirit these days ) and am just starting to get back to where I can start working out a bit. My accupuncturist (I had the same problem with my other knee 8 years ago, had surgery, wasn't thrilled with the results, and am seeking alternative treatment with this one) has told me that I can walk for my cardio for now. As a veteran of your workouts, the walking's just not doing it for me, no matter how hard I try. Anyway, I've started trying some of your cardio (Low Max and Step Blast), but VERY modified--no impact whatsoever, using a towel instead of a step. I'm wondering if it would be more beneficial for me to try some of your beginner workouts rather than the advanced ones that I need to modify so much. I've never used your beginner workouts, so I wouldn't know what to expect from them. I know you can't give specific advice, and I wouldn't want you to; I'm just wondering if you can give me an idea of what your beginner workouts are like in terms of impact. I'm thinking they may be a good transition for me back into the world of exercise.

Thanks for your help. I've been sending positive healing vibes your way (and mine!) for a while now. I'm looking forward to your next round of workouts, but only after you're completely healed and can give us the dreaded workouts we all love (hate? }() so much!

Take care--I hope you'll be feeling well again very soon !

-Marie

 

[Cathe Friedrich]

Hi Marie! I'm so sorry to hear of your injury. You and I are stepping on the same level these days, but instead of a towel, I use a shortened yoga mat, when demo-ing some moves in my classes (since we have a wood floor and a towel would slip).

The best suggestion I can give you is to watch the video clips of these less impact workouts. This would give you an indication of the style, speed, and choreograhy of the workouts. Knee injuries are so individual in that a given movement that hurts one with knee injuries, may not bother another and vice versa. It is best for you to see what meets your needs.

Please take care and I wish you a full and safe recovery too.

 

[mariep]

Thanks for the reply, Cathe. I actually tried Low Max last week using a 4" step, and it was too much. Last night, before I sent my message to you, I had tried it with just a towel. This morning, my knee was telling me that even this was too much. You're absolutely right; each injury is so individual, and you have to be so patient and so careful (which is sometimes so frustrating!). I think I need to just be patient and follow my accupuncturist's advice and stick with just walking (as fast as I can!) for now, even though it may not be what I want to hear. When I'm truly ready to get back to this type of workout, your beginner workouts may be just right for easing back into it. In the meantime, thank goodness for all your great options I have for upper body weight work!!!

Thanks again for the reply. It does keep me going knowing that I have your workouts to look forward once I finally get better.

Best wishes again for a full recovery for you!

-Marie