Hi:

My husband has a reconstructed leg that doesn't bend at the knee. He can not get down on the floor to do certain exercises.

We know of exercises he can do with dumb bells for the chest and arms but we need to know of exercises for the abs and back that he can do while sitting.

Does anyone have any ideas?

Carol

The big exercise ball? While he is leaning back on it, tummy crunches?

It only takes small movements, not big ones like sit ups.

Or laying on his back on the bed/floor?

Hold the ball with both arms extended, turn to the left then the right slowly in controled movements. Twisting at the waist.

While you work out, hold your abs in. This tightens the abs, but BREATH! DO NOT hold your breath. With each movement, inhale, move and exhale.

Consider a resistance chair. I created my own with the bands I had and a straight chair. I used it for the first two months, and now, I am able to do just about anything.

A resistance chair may be purchased from:

http://www.continuingfitness.com/prod-cfrc100.htm

Abs....he could lay flat on his back and do crunches.

If you have access to a lat pulldown he could do Lat crunches.

If he can sit in a chair he could do a form of a crunch/leg lift combo.

Back

He could put a barbell across his shoulders and bend forward as far as he can.

He could also do seated rows if he has access.

He could do all of the pulling excercises if he has access to a machine.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/13803082/

I just saw this today!

#1: Seated Vacuum

(Transverse Abdominus)

a. Sit in a sturdy chair with your feet flat on the floor. As you exhale, suck your navel in toward your spine as far as you can, contracting your belly to squeeze all of the air out of your lungs. Hold for 1 to 3 seconds.

b. Inhale as you reverse the exercise, this time making your belly as round as possible. Continue exhaling and inhaling slowly for 1 minute, then move on to Cruise Move 2.

#2: Seated Crossover

(Upper Rectus Abdominus)

a. Remain seated with your feet flat on the floor. Sit tall with a long spine. Bend your arms 90 degrees, bringing your elbows in line with your chest, your forearms perpendicular to the floor, and your fingers toward the ceiling.

b. Exhale as you bring your left elbow and right knee toward one another. Inhale as you bring your elbow and knee back to the starting position. Repeat with your right elbow and left knee, alternating between those positions for 1 minute. After 1 minute move on to Move 3.

#3: Seated Torso Rotation

(Obliques)

a. Remain seated with your feet flat on the floor. Sit tall with a long spine. Grasp your medicine ball at chest level, with your arms extended.

b. Remain erect as you exhale and twist to the right. Keep your head and neck in line with your torso as you twist so that you are always facing the ball. Try not to lean forward. Inhale as you return to the starting position and then repeat on the other side. Continue for 1 minute, then move on to Move 4.

#4: Captain's Chair

(Lower Rectus Abdominus)

a. Remain seated with your feet flat on the floor. Sit tall with a long spine. Grasp the edge of the chair with your fingers on either side of your hips. Push your palms into the chair to add stability to your torso.

b. Exhale as you slowly bring your knees toward your chest, trying not to arch your lower back as you do so. Hold for 1 to 3 seconds, then slowly lower as you inhale. Repeat for 1 minute, then return to Move 1. Repeat Moves 1-4 once more, and you're done.

there is a show on PBS called 'SIT AND BE FIT' it has exercises for people confined to a chair. it is on TV weekly, no idea on the time, sorry. they also have movies out. i rented a couple for my mother in law and she really like them. theyt also sell the on e-bay. just type in sit and be fit!

good luck!

Thank you very much everyone for you help, hubby is anxious to rid himself of the beer belly.....he did get rid of the beer!

Carol

Carol,

Were you just banded in June 2006?????and you have already lost that much weight???? you are incredible. how are you accomplishing that much loss this fast????? I was banded June 8,2006. I stated at 240 and I am just at 225.5.

thanks in advance for any tips!!!!

Donna:help:

My Mother-in-law loved Sit and Be Fit!