substitute for lunges and squats

[BethM]

Hi Cathe,

I had prolapse surgery (uterine, bladder and rectum) and was told not to do squats and lunges due to the danger of reoccurence of the prolapse.
What are some other ways I can work my legs besides cardio that will give me the same benefits as lunges and squats?
Thanks for your help!

 

[morningstar]

Not Cathe, but why not try floor exercises? They are excellent for targeting specific areas of the legs and glutes. Try the floor part of GS Legs and B & G. You could also try my hamstring curls as part of a floor workout - I posted that elsewhere but can't find it anymore.

 

[BethM]

Thanks for replying- I did think of that but am sad to have to give up the weight work.

 

[amron]

No answer for you but I would also like to know of a substitution other than floor work.

 

[amyg]

Did your doctor give you a flat-out ban or are you supposed to wait a while before trying the lunges and squats? What about wall squats? Might work since it's an isometric hold? I'm not sure.

Do you have B&G? That one is a killer; you can do the floor work with ankle weights-- ouch! (There are obviously lunges and squats in B&G but I'd say it's still a good investment.)

You can also do some seated work on a high step with a weight on your quad and just lifting and holding your leg a few inches off the step. Try the leg work in Kick Max, too, and that might be an option for you.

As for a substitution for floor work... if you want leg work and don't want to do lunges or squats or floor work... that's going to be tough!! Your legs are built to bend and straighten as they support you walking, running, etc. (hence lunges and squats) The floor work with weights/bands provides resistance along a different plane to strengthen your joints in a different way than weight-bearing work.

Best of luck!

 

[BethM]

Thanks for the response.
My doctor pretty much banned lunges and squats for good since they put me at risk for reoccurence of the prolapse.
I do have B & G and have always loved it even though I was usually crippled for a day or two afterward. I did the floor work the other day and got a pretty good workout- did it after a couple of miles on the treadmill. I just want to feel that floorwork will give me the same benefit as weights because I worked so hard prior to surgery and now have to modify.

Thanks for your help.

 

[fit44]

Have you considered buying a recumbent bike? I have one and it works my thighs and glutes very well. You can increase tension for added resistance.
The key is to pedal through your heels.

 

[BethM]

I like that idea! I could use something new to change things up a bit. Thanks for the advice.