Substitution for move in Cardio and Weights?

[CassieRN]

Hi Cathe,

What would be a good move to substitute for the turning power lunges in C & W?

I tore my ACL in March of 2006 and had 3 surgeries to repair it with the last one being in December. I was cleared to do step about 6 weeks ago (with my handy custom brace!) and believe me I've been stepping as much as possible!

I can do most of the high impact moves but the turning move in Cardio & Weights is very difficult because my proprioception is still not back completely.

I'd love to hear what suggestions you (or anyone else) has.

Thanks

Cassie

 

[crazystepr]

Not Cathe here, but maybe I can help,
Do you mean the turning power squats? (Not to be a pain--she just does both power lunges (Cathe calls them power scissors) AND power turning squats...)

Anyhoo, my advice would be to either do the squat low impact (place one foot on the bench, squat, then mambo back), or do the squat with a slight jump to make it more of a plyo move. (both of these options are done facing forward at all times--no turning required!) I've done both of these many times, as I'm not always up to the power turning! I hope this helps!


Allison

 

[CassieRN]

Allison you're right! I meant the power SQUATS!

I was so excited that I could do the power scissors that I can't believe I said lunges instead of squats.

Both of those moves sound like good substitutes. I'll give them a try next time.

I'm so excited to be doing my Cathe workouts again I'm like a little kid!

Thanks so much for the ideas!

Cassie

 

[Gibbee]

RE: Allison you're right! I meant the power SQUATS!

I just squat them all facing forward w/no plyo to keep impact and torque low.

 

[howrobin]

RE: Allison you're right! I meant the power SQUATS!

Not Cathe here.
Congrats on your comeback. Presumably you had some rehab or physical therapy. If you haven't already, you might discuss the problem and these suggestions with whomever was in charge of your rehab - they have first knowledge of your specific injury. Good luck.

 

[CassieRN]

RE: Allison you're right! I meant the power SQUATS!

Oh yeah, I've had LOTS of rehab My surgeries were all within a 9 month period so I became very close to a couple of the PTs I worked with. In fact, before I started doing any lower body weight training using Cathe's DVDs (they cleared me for weights before step or hi/lo) my PT previewed all my Cathe DVDs. She's such a doll!
Before I was released from PT she also previewed my step and hi/lo DVDs but a)she couldn't believe how hard they are and b)she didn't really have any great ideas for substitutions. She's not really into step though.
I thought Cathe or some of the people here who need to modify some moves might have some ideas and fortunately I've learned a couple already.
Thanks for the good wishes!

 

[CassieRN]

RE: Allison you're right! I meant the power SQUATS!

That's what I did today but my mind was saying "JUMP! TURN!" I may just need to be patient and hopefully in a few months I can work up to them.
Thanks!

 

[Kathy G]

RE: Allison you're right! I meant the power SQUATS!

Hi Cassie,
I'm kind of in the same boat. I had ACL reconstruction (allograft) and meniscus repair on my left knee in June '06 (fell playing volleyball).

I still find it difficult to do quick side to side movements on that side. During the Road Trip last month in one of Cathe's classes, she had us in a huge circle going out sideways (during the kickbox workout). I just ran or marched in place while everyone else did it. Finding ways to modify what I can't do is frustrating at times because I WANT to do what I could do before this injury.

I know the move you're talking about and I just do them on the floor. I can jump and turn on the floor but adding the step in there throws me off balance and makes me "wobbly." I'll either do that or plyo jacks which fit into the choreography.

HTH. I completely understand the side to side issues. The last PT I talked to said to work on building the strength back into my outer thigh on my injured side and to make sure I wear shoes with good lateral support.

Kathy G

 

[CassieRN]

RE: Allison you're right! I meant the power SQUATS!

Hi Kathy,

I'm sorry to hear you tore your ACL and damaged your meniscus. I tore mine while skiing. I hope to ski again but probably not this season.

My third surgery was with an allograft. So far, so good!

I completely know what you mean about wanting to do a move! The mind is willing but the body isn't able yet

I know that my entire quad really took a hit from the surgeries and inactivity. My outer thigh is coming along pretty well but my inner thigh is a whole other story!

Funny you mentioned shoes. I just got myself a brand new pair of Rykas. I figured I deserved them!

Thanks for the understanding and the ideas. I may just try to do that move turning on the floor and see if I can get that to work for me.

Cassie