rocknhorse: blog 
rocknhorse's blog
getting in shape?
Published May. 14, 2008
OK goloers! I have a serious question for you all.
My dr says I need to be doing weight bearing exercise. Osteoporosis runs in my family and I want to do whatever I can to make sure my bone density remains healthy. I try to get plenty of calcium, but my dr said weight bearing exercise. She specifically said that walking is good, but I need something that is actually moderately jarring, like jogging.
I have begun walking 3/4 mile and I'll be trying to do this every day. But I have to be honest, it's not easy for me. My wreck left me with very bad ankles on both sides. I wear a brace on the left and have good/bad days with both. Walking for me is like walking in ski boots (no flexability whatsoever). Occassionally, my ankles will slip out of socket and some days they simply hurt too bad to be up much. I often keep crutches near at hand.
Now, with that history, what exercises can a 'handicapped' person do that will still give the weigh-bearing benefits, but not put me in the wheelchair by the end of the day? I intend to get back into intensive riding when we move. This is great cardio, but not very weight-bearing. As I said, I've begun walking, but I don't know how long that will last with my history.
Any thoughts/suggestions would be very welcome!
EDIT: That's a photo of me. You can see the brace I wear. It prohibits any range of motion in that ankle. I only have about 5% range in my right, 0% in the left. Makes things like elipticles difficult.
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Also, if you aren't in some kind of physical therapy for your ankles, you might consider that. I don't know your situation, but you should be able to improve your range of motion over time.
GOLO member since March 7, 2008
May 16, 2008 11:09 a.m.
GOLO member since January 13, 2008
May 14, 2008 8:39 p.m.
I've begun walking, which will hopefully help. I figure it can't hurt. But doc says I need impact/wgt bearing, which leaves me lost for ideas.
GOLO member since July 18, 2007
May 14, 2008 4:33 p.m.
GOLO member since November 24, 2007
May 14, 2008 4:02 p.m.
GOLO member since July 11, 2007
May 14, 2008 2:26 p.m.
GOLO member since November 17, 2007
May 14, 2008 2:03 p.m.
Hist, maybe that's why I'm out of shape, I try to avoid the jumping, flying, running, stabbing and dodging that you mention.
Steve, I LIKE your way of thinking about exercise, but again, I don't see how that will help maintain bone density. Though I'll take it under advisement and see. Perhaps if I increase my weight, then even the simple act of walking will be more weight-bearing and presto, better bone health?
Seriously though, thanks for the ideas.
GOLO member since July 18, 2007
May 14, 2008 1:58 p.m.
Historians got something there....
GOLO member since July 3, 2007
May 14, 2008 1:53 p.m.
May 14, 2008 1:45 p.m.
You might try joining a gym. If it prescribed by your doctor then your health insurance may even pay for part of it.
GOLO member since March 14, 2008
May 14, 2008 1:43 p.m.
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