What to do during recovery?

[Cruncholi]

Educated Crowd:

As many of you know, I am trying to recover from elbow tendonitis, but it is going very slowly. It is horribly frustrating. In any case, what types of exercises have those of you with such restrictions done to keep in shape during recovery?

I can only think to do cardio (but not kickboxing since it is too much on the bad arm) abs and floor leg work. Also, I bought a thighmaster contraption (Thightek XL), which is OK, but certainly not the equivalent of standing weighted leg work. I'm thinking about buying a weighted vest, but they are soooooo expensive.

What else can I do?

THANK YOU!

Linda

 

[DebbieH]

Hi, Linda!

I'm sorry to hear you're still recovering. I KNOW the very same frustration. Can you still do lunges, squats, plies and so forth without any weight? These exercises are good w/o weight compared to not doing them at all. Also, I have heard of a couple of gals here who put two pairs of ankle weights hooked together around their waist. I am not sure how easy that is to do and I'd just say, be sure you distribute the weight as evenly as possible. Do you have an exercise/balance ball? Maybe you can incorporate that into your AB & lower body work. You will use lots of muscles trying to stabilize the ball. Wall sits:With the ball between your back and the wall, roll down into a sitting position and hold. Works tons of leg muscles. You can also do it w/o a ball. If you don't have a ball, just grab a big pillow like HoneyBunch has suggested in the past and squeeze away for inner thighs. Maybe, take up powerwalking or walk/jogs??? I'll think some more on it and let you know if I come up with anything else. Hang in there. I know it is sooo tough and very discouraging. Are you taking Glucosamine/Chondroitin?? I truly believe it helps. Unfortunately, it can be expensive. Wholesale Clubs sell it a bit cheaper. Keep icing when it hurts. Thinking of you!

Your-Friend-In-Fitness, DebbieH http://www.plaudersmilies.de/wavey.gif If You Get The Choice To Sit It Out Or Dance...I Hope You DANCE!!!

 

[Cruncholi]

RE: Hi, Linda!

Debbie,
Thanks for all of your ideas.
I have been taking a glu/con supplement (500/400mg) for 3 days now. I can't tell if it is helping or not yet though. I'm not taking the recommended 3 pills per day, just one. I don't like pills.
That is a good idea to do wall sits, lunges, and squats w/o weights.
I do not have a balance ball. I could buy one, but funds are tight and I think I'd rather purchase a weighted vest for leg work without having to hoist a barbell over my head or hold dumbells.
I always walk my dogs every day in the evening on top of whatever workout I do in the morning, so I'm already doing that.
I guess my arms are just going to lose all of that tone I worked so hard for over the last 1-1/2 years. But, then again, I think that is the cause of injury to begin with, so I must have been doing something wrong!
UGH.
Thanks again for your ideas!
Linda