Walking is boring....how long before you could do something else?

[MisforMimi 760]

When were you cleared to do exercise other than walking???

I'm a month out and my doc said another **MONTH** before I could do classes...I forgot ask about Water exercises. That's probably OK. But I'm feeling good and ready to hit it....

[samuelsmom 670]

I would suggest calling the office and asking why. There may be a specific reason why you have to wait so long. My practice usually clears everyone at the 2 week checkup. Although I could, I really didn't feel like doing anything more until about 6 weeks.

[swimbikerun 1,041]

I was cleared at a month - 2 days for everything. Man ...

[Crosby 303]

Do you keep records of distance, time etc? competing against your last time and seeing the progress could make it less boring until you are able to do more.

[BeagleLover 1,020]

... or walk a dog.

[anaxila 501]

I was never restricted on exercise, just on weight limit. I can do anything I want, so long as it involves no more than 10 pounds of lifting, pushing, or pulling.

However, I will say that two of my incisions are not healing well, and I think it is because I've been so active. It's the two on the outside, and I think they bear the brunt of my twisting around. They are each just finally scabbing over now that I've been too sick (head cold) go to to the gym.

I was told that I wouldn't be able to get in the Water for 6 weeks, which they said was because your incisions aren't healed until then and they don't want you soaking off the scabs. That makes sense to me. However, they agreed a few weeks ago to let me get in the Water if I cover the incisions 100% in waterproof bandages (such as these). I've been in the water a few times for classes and laps, and it's been good.

[drmeow 323]

I listen to audiobooks while I walk to keep me going longer, farther.

[esskay77 785]

It helps if you have a place and reason to walk TO so you aren't just walking in circles but are trying to get to a destination. However, walking in circles or laps can be made better if you find a way to occupy yourself. Like someone above said, compete on your time, listen to audiobooks, listen to music or talk radio, go with friends and chat while walking, bring a camera and take pictures of things you see on your walk. THings like that can help make it more fun. Or, if you are on a treadmill, watch TV. Otherwise, just realize that, yes, it can be boring but it is also good for you. It took me YEARS to realize that almost everyone at the gym has a hard time getting there and don't really want to be there either. But they do. I thought they all loved it. lol. But just do it!

(THere are some people who love it! And truthfully, once you are there at the gym it's not that bad)

[James Marusek 5,244]

They cleared me pretty quick after surgery to begin almost any form of exercise. I walked up and down my driveway which is a steep hill. So my exercise was like hill walking. It uses two different sets of muscles. As you said I found it boring. But is was easy as stepping out my front door. I found that if I had my ipad and headsets, I could easy walk with the music. It made it a little fun.

But fast forward a year and I began doing manual work instead of exercise. I had a building project last summer. I moved 100,000 pounds of gravel and 50,000 pound of concrete blocks by hand. I just took my time and all went well. I thought is was good since I am 66 years old.

[Stevehud 1,790]

i was cleared at 6 weeks for cardio, bt no major ab stuff .

[Djmohr 6,965]

I was cleared at 4 weeks for everything but only after my one month check in. I had no complications what so ever. I have been exercising ever since.

[MisforMimi 760]

I know I know. I will keep walking. I'm trying to walk to things that I wouldn't ordinarily walk to. Like I'm walking to get a pedicure after work. And I have a treadmill and music. So no excuses there. LOL

I'm just ready for something to switch it up with.

But I will trust my surgeon. She has a good track record with her patients and complications. So maybe she knows what she's talking about. ha!

What I really want to work toward is a team recreaction sport like soccer. I just want exercise that looks and feels like a real departure from exercise right now. Just me.

[drmeow 323]

I know what you mean. I am hoping to incorporate more activity in my hobbies and fun time rather than spend hours in a gym, after surgery. One of my goals is to take some martial arts classes, something I've never done before. I also want to get back into hiking, and learn to kayak!