Hi everyone! I need some ideas on cardio that can be done while sitting down. I had ankle surgery last week to repair 2 torn ligaments and a dislocated tendon and will have to be non-weight bearing on my foot for at least 6 more weeks. Because of this, I am really freaking out! Before the surgery, I was able to at least walk and swim, but now I am out of ideas. Due to other issues, I haven't had a proper fill in my band since December, so exercise was the main thing keeping me from gaining, even though I wasn't loosing. I do go for a fill this week, so hopefully this will help, but all I'm allowed to do right now is sit on the couch with my foot elevated. As the weeks go on, I will have a little more freedom, but still no using the foot at all. Any suggestions?

In some gyms, there is a machine known as the arm ergo meter that allows you to get a workout with just your arms. Typically you can sit down while using one and basically peddle with your arms. They aren't standard everywhere like a bike, treadmill or elliptical but some of the larger chains (eg LAFitness) have one or two in the corner.

I agree with Fiddleman....here's a pic of one. There are other styles/models as well.

Hi Laura, hope your ankle heals up quickly and that your fill helps with dimming your appetite in the meanwhile. I've been doing some of the old-fashioned arm windmill kind of exercises and working out with weights. Love to see those biceps coming along. Maybe this will help work that part of your body and get the arm/shoulder/chest muscle groups going while you rest the legs. Good luck to you -- and spring will be here before you know it!

Thanks for the ideas everyone. Unfortunately my rec. center doesn't have one of the arm bikes. It's pretty limited in what is there, and I use it for the pool access only. We have a treadmill, elliptical and total gym at home, so that's what I've been using mostly before surgery. I am still doing all of the upper body muscle workouts with the total gym, but other than a rowing machine type of exercise, cardio isn't possible. And since I have to keep my foot from dragging on the floor and can't place it on the footplate, that isn't working right now. (I did try it though!) I guess I'm just frustrated because I don't know if just doing upper body workouts are enough right now. I may just have to suck it up and wait and hope that I don't loose too much of the progress that I've made so far!

Try going to Youtube and searching "Chair Cardio". It was about all I could do during the time I had a fracture in my foot. I couldn't even go to the gym because they won't let you in with one of those big walking boots on your foot. You may have to omit the foot movements out of some of them, but maybe you can find something to help.

Good idea! I'll look for it, thanks!

I'd say take this opportunity to strength train..building muscle burns fat faster that cardio. Cardio gives you a long lean look, like a runner or a bicyclist. Building muscle gives you sexy rounded shoulders..and a small waist, shapely legs..not to mention a flatter tummy..along with a great diet you will be SMOKIN' HOT in no time..lol..Im down to only 30 minutes tops of cardio now.

PS--> when your all healed, balance the two, the results are exquisite!