HELP! Exercises that are safe to perform with damaged knee.

[eenwoord]

In the open chat forum I mentioned that I'm pending a knee-reconstruction after anterior cruciate ligament decided to break free of tibia.

I want to stay in peak physical condition if possible. I understand that I cannot use the affected leg AT ALL - & this means that the muscle will surely atrophy in leg (the right leg). However I want to keep the rest of body fighting fit including left leg, so that when it comes to rehabilitating right knee - I don't have to focus on getting the rest of body into shape as well.

Please help me out in developing a new work-out regime that will keep the whole body in shape, but won't use right leg.

I've been considering cardio options too & the best option seems like the hand-powered waterwheel.

HELP guys! I really want to get back to the gym ASAP. Sitting around like a cripple is really driving me loopy & making me miserable...

Cheers!


Colette.

[swanso5]

upper body should be able to stay the same but you may need to go with seated versions depending on what wt you can put on it...same with legs, still work the good hard with single leg deadlifts, leg press (god forbid) and pull thoughs, deadlifts from mid shin, supine bridges and swissball leg curls may still be an option if not now, certainly later

this is the time where nutrition really needs to be perfect as your eneegy out won't be as high

www.uponlinetraining.com

[Packard]

I would use gym machines for the duration of your enforced recovery.

Gym machines will not require your legs for stability. Even bench pressing will require some use of your legs for stability.

There are many exercises you can do with gym machines that will work the upper body exclusively.

Also you can train your good leg; there will be some "sympathetic" improvement in strength for your injured leg.

(Oh, and get rid of that trapeze over your bed so you won't re-injure the leg.) (that's a joke)