I can't exercise--How can I lose weight? LONG

Hi ladies! Here's my situation. I used to run all the time--5 miles/day in college during my off-season from lacrosse and field hockey and lots more than that when I was playing. I was able to lose a ton of weight (50 lbs) until I had an ankle surgery that made it physically impossible for me to run anymore--I had a bone fusion which means my foot doesn't have the range of motion necessary to run properly. So, I gained all the weight back and then some. I tried going to the gym and using the elliptical. But then I sparked up an old knee injury for which I now have to have arthroscopy (partially torn ACL, torn meniscus). So, I really can't exercise which is SO frustrating because just before I reinjured my knee, I ordered those "The Firm" DVDs and was really excited. Then back in October, I started LA Weight Loss, which went really well for a while and I lost about 30 lbs. But now I've been stuck at the same weight since March. I have no idea what to do and I'm getting so frustrated, feeling like why am I eating healthy all the time if I don't see any results. I just feel like I've plateaued and I'm not sure what to do. If this were the "old days" I'd just go to the gym everyday, but I can't do that anymore. Thanks in advance for any advice and sorry this is so long!

Re: I can't exercise--How can I lose weight? LONG

you cant exercise at all? there is a machine called the Gazelle, there is no real range of motion necessary using your ankle and no pressure on your knee, I also have a knee injury and a hip one as well. It is great. There is an article in my Fitness Rx for women magazine that says this super fitness model uses it daily and she is in awesome shape.

What about adding some slow walking? Even if walking seems like nothing b/c you used to run so much I am sure it will help. I don't know what else to suggest, I sawry, hope this helps.

Other than that keep your chin up and be patient!@

Message edited 5/29/2004 11:16:56 AM.

Re: I can't exercise--How can I lose weight? LONG

If I was in your situation (I love to exercise, so I can understand how frustrated you must feel) I would talk to a professional trainer to help me get started.

Re: I can't exercise--How can I lose weight? LONG

What about swimming? Its not alot of pressure on your joints and its great exercise!


Just be aware of the portion sizes of what you are eating.

Re: I can't exercise--How can I lose weight? LONG

That's not a bad idea. I just don't know where there's a pool near Mineola. I used to belong to NYSC but they didn't have one.

Re: I can't exercise--How can I lose weight? LONG

I don't know that area- but YMCA's usually have pools.

Re: I can't exercise--How can I lose weight? LONG

My brother has severe arthritis. He almost had his bones fused together in his feet. He cannot move his fett at all, basically he walks on flat feet with no range of motion.

He has been riding his bicycle for exercise for the past 10 years. It doesn't bother his feet.

Have you tried a bicyle?

Also, If you trainn your upperbody hard, and eat right you would see changes right away without doing as much cardio.

Hope this helps.

Re: I can't exercise--How can I lose weight? LONG

Thanks for all your suggestions! I have to have arthroscopy on my ankle and knee this month, so hopefully when I start physical therapy I'll be able to ask about swimming and bike riding. I've tried the bike before, but for some reason it really bothered my knee (I think it was all the continuous motion). I'm guessing that the surgery will help with that though. Thanks again !

Re: I can't exercise--How can I lose weight? LONG

there's the north hempstead park/pool in new hyde park...it's right next to nhp memorial high school right near you!

it's cheap to join for the year, not exactly sure how much, but it's an indoor pool with lots of lanes and is open year round...

good luck :O)