working upper body without stressing legs.

[Ilurvebroccoli]

So, I have a broken leg...its driving me nuts that I cant go exercise much. I still need to work on my upper body though, and I have tons of energy to do so.

Any tips on working on upper body/abs without putting any stress on my legs?? I've been using my resistance bands, and those seem to be helping my arms and shoulders.

[Licence]

How about getting some dumb-bells. There are a zillion exercises you can do with them without stressing your legs.

For abs and core muscles, you could probably do various crunch exercises.

NB. Check with your doc 1st though!

[FitChick99]

Definitely agree on the bands and the dumbbells. Are you a member of a gym? There are also a lot of machines that you can do that are just upper body. Of course, many of the weight machines, but possibly even a little cardio, depending on how big your cast is and how much it gets in the way, etc. I've worked with people who had knee issues, with braces, but no casts... Anyway, if they have an airdyne bike, you can just place your feet on the pegs that stick out on the sides, and move the arm handles back and forth. Or, if you could place your feet in the straps of a rower, but don't bend your legs at all, just pull the handle with your upper body. Some places also even have arm ergometers, where you are basically pedalling with your arms instead of your feet. We also have a kayak machine at our fitness center, where you are seated and move the bar in a kayak rowing type motion.

Good luck! :)

[SeaSiren]

weights, pretty much anything seated or lying on a bench..... chest, shoulders, triceps, back, biceps, abs, I prefer primarily free weights, but there are several machines as well.

[Ilurvebroccoli]

Thanks!! I can actually do push ups and planks now, which is helping. I actually feel a bit stronger instead of like the little weakling that came out of the hospital a month ago.

Thanks guys!!

[Cassiel]

I so completely sympathize with you! It's horrible to be stuck like that. A couple of summers ago I was beside myself because I was on crutches for two weeks - for a distance runner that is torture. I can't imagine being incapacitated longer than that!

I second the airdyne bike and the rowing. In fact, if you don't belong to a gym, you can just row using your resistance bands. Sit on the floor, put the band around a post or something (we have a banister this works well with), and pull the band back toward yourself repeatedly.

I am so sorry you're stuck! Get well soon. :)