How to Exercise when Injured

Is it okay to workout with an injury?

It depends on the type of injury. Some injuries require rest and recovery time, while others can be worked around. It’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before exercising with an injury. They can help determine if exercising is safe and offer specific guidelines to follow. When exercising with an injury, it’s important to listen to your body, avoid aggravating the injury, and modify exercises as needed. Additionally, it’s important to understand the difference between pain and discomfort, and not to push through pain.

Considering my brain and leg injury, after many months of recovery to leave the hospital, I began working out. Leg workouts were not possible as I walked around using crutches, but I had the entire upper body to train. The mind and body must adapt to life’s circumstances to advance further.

How do you keep fitness up when injured?

Maintaining fitness while injured can be challenging, but it’s important for overall health and to aid in the healing process. Low-impact exercises, such as swimming, cycling, and walking, can help keep fitness levels up without putting too much stress on the injured area. Considering my leg injury, a pool was fantastic in order to rebalance weight, form an upright posture and begin walking again.

Additionally, resistance training with light weights or resistance bands can help maintain strength. It’s important to focus on exercises that do not exacerbate the injury. While an exercise doesn’t require motion in certain parts of the body, injured muscles may still contract during a repetition. For this reason, work with a healthcare professional to determine the appropriate exercise level and types before starting. 

How do you stay in shape when you can’t exercise?

Sometimes, injuries or other circumstances may prevent someone from exercising. In these situations, it’s important to focus on maintaining a healthy diet and incorporating other activities that promote overall health. Activities such as stretching, yoga, and meditation can help promote flexibility, reduce stress, and maintain overall health. I incorporated these after no longer having the ability to pursue the gymnastic goals I once had. Certainly some former activities were lost, but I didn’t want health to be one of them!

According to the injury, taking regular walks, using a standing desk, or even doing household chores can help keep the body moving and promote overall health.

How do you lose weight when injured and can’t exercise?

Weight loss can be challenging when injured and unable to exercise. However, exercise is a small part of the day compared to food and drink consumption which affects the body. Focus on maintaining a healthy diet and incorporating activities that burn calories. Swimming and water aerobics can be low-impact activities that burn calories and are gentle on the joints. Additionally, focusing on whole foods and reducing processed foods can help with weight loss.

How do you go from sedentary to active?

Transitioning from a sedentary lifestyle to an active one can be daunting. It’s important to start slowly and gradually increase activity levels. Finding an activity that is enjoyable and fits into daily life can help make exercise a habit. Additionally, it’s important to set achievable goals and track progress. Working with a personal trainer or healthcare professional can also help with transitioning to an active lifestyle.

Summary

Exercising when injured can be challenging, but it’s important for overall health and well-being. By consulting with a healthcare professional, focusing on low-impact exercises, and maintaining a healthy diet, it’s possible to maintain fitness levels and aid in the healing process. An injury also provides time to incorporate other activities, such as stretching or meditation, which can promote overall health and well-being. With patience and determination, it’s possible to make exercise a habit and maintain an active lifestyle.