DVD advice and encouragement

[Texan]

Okay, my Dis buddies, I need some help. I will try to make this short. June 2011 I had foot surgery, that went wrong, terribly wrong. I could not walk without intense pain. No exercise of course, which I was always involved in prior to the surgery, and lots of depression led eating. 26 visits of PT, no good. Steroid shots, no good. Ortho doc gave dire tale of woe. Finally in May, I found an arthritis doc that now has me on a pretty good pain med program. I will be on it the rest of my life. I am starting to walk again (you cannot believe how thrilling it is, really and truly), but I am really bored with walking around the neighborhood. I have pulled out my Kathy Sansone walking DVD's and have been able to manage them. Can anyone suggest more DVD's to mix up the program for me? No running of course, walking is it. I am almost 50, and I would love to get back in the mix, within my limits. Any and all help is so appreciated!!!!

 

[Octoberbride03]

Have you tried a stability ball?

I admit I have been away from mine far too often this past year, but its always my first tool that I return to for working out. It keeps the abs engaged no matter what part of the body you are working on and its very low impact.

I started with the Fitness ball for Dummies workout which showed me the basics although there are some leg exercises that may not be appropriate for you you can skip them.

The video I'm using now is the 10 minute solution that I can program by workout and do as much as I have time for.

You can also wander over to www.collagevideo.com and browse through dvds there. You cam play clips and see what would work for you.

 

[Texan]

Thank you for the tip; I have thought of that, as I had a stability type of ball for my foot to try and re-gain my gait; I didn't know they had workouts with the ball; I will look into the link also; any help is appreciated

 

[Figment1990]

Texan - I'm not sure precisely which kind of workouts you are allowed to do yet, but there is a fairly low impact Shape magazine dvd for "cardio" (sort of dance combos) and of course, all kinds of pilates and ab dvds. If you can get to a gym and do some upper body strength work, that can help you feel stronger as well.

But I'm mostly writing to give you support and encouragement. I actually CAN imagine how thrilling it is to be able to even walk again. Almost 3 years ago, I was unable to extend my leg from the knee down to even walk forward. Due to a knee problem that caused a chronic pain syndrome, I lost nearly all muscle in my right quad. I could not lift my leg to step into a pair of pants, or tie a shoe. The prognosis said it was possible the atrophy was irreversible. It was a very dark time for me and yes, I did a lot of depression eating as well that I'm finally starting to work off. After 2 years of PT (1 year at the facility, 1 on my own), a lot of determination, I'm running again. I still find dancing hard (my true passion). I still have pain now and again and am not 100% yet. And I still have to do my PT exercises every other day. But I am thrilled to be where I am today and not a day goes by that I am not grateful.

Anyway, I just wanted to say hang in there, and do whatever it takes to stay positive. I also learned to listen to my doctors but to also listen to my body. They said, "PT will hurt" and by gosh it did but it did work. (I was unable to have pain shots because of a condition I have that reacts to steroids). When I started running again (after 2 years), I literally would run 10 steps at a time and they were so awkward.

Hang in there. And I'm so PROUD of you already!

 

[Happy Duck]

Hey Texan--- Wow, I can't even imagine coming back from something like that. Go you!!! Having done these workouts on and off for a few years, I can say that Pilates videos are excellent. I've used Windsor Pilates, but I'm sure there are other excellent ones. There is no weight bearing on the feet, but they certainly make you sweat!

 

[ohMom]

kudos to you!!!

by any chance do you have a Family Video store in your town? i'm pretty sure the fitness DVDs are free. Also, check out your library to try some out before you buy.

i think you mean Leslie Sansone? the Walk Away the Pounds DVDs, those are great!

I have an oldie but goodie Denise Austin called Shrink the Female Fat Zones that i like. it's more toning/light weights though.