Guest Post by Goodbye Crutches

When you break your ankle, you may feel like your exercising days are behind you, but they’re not! Now that spring is in the air, you are even more likely to want to start moving again. While it’s true, you will have to give up training for the next marathon or even speed walking, there are still plenty of things you can do. Your mode of exercise will change for a while, with only one leg to stand on, but you shouldn’t sit on the couch all day, either. Here are a few workouts you can do with a broken ankle.

1. Physical Therapy Moves
When you break your ankle, you may have to do some physical therapy to help the area retain full working mode once the cast comes off. These exercises will also help eliminate pain and stiffness, which are essential to recovery and will help the injured area heal faster.

2. Weight Lifting
Keep a set of small hand weights by the couch to work your arms and shoulders. You can also do pull-ups, and even some push-ups, as long as you are careful to keep the weight off your broken ankle.

3. Sit Ups
If your core is strong, the rest of your body works better. You can prop both of your legs up on a chair and work your core muscles with a variety of crunches and stretches, without putting any pressure on your broken ankle.

4. Back Stretches
You will want to keep your back strong to help the recovery process as well, especially if you use crutches as your mobility device. You can perform hyperextensions, seated rows, or even stretches to keep your back toned and supportive.

5. Swimming
If your doctor gives your permission, you can swim with a waterproof cast or use a DryPro waterproof cast protector. Swimming works your whole body without putting any pressure or strain on your broken ankle.

Now that the spring air surrounds you every time you go outside, it’s harder to sit inside and stay in the stationary position. You might have to scale back on workouts, but you don’t have to get rid of them completely. Simply modify what you used to do. Working out will help you get around on crutches easier, but keep in mind that Goodbye Crutches has three alternatives to crutches that can make your life more mobile throughout recovery. Consider using the Hands Free Crutch, the Knee Scooter, or the Seated Scooter instead. You may also want to check out CastCoverz! fun and functional orthopedic accessories, such as covers for casts and crutches. Legz! cast covers will keep your cast covered, clean, and snag-free, while CrutchWear crutch covers add comfort and function while crutching around. If you are lying horizontal or confined to a wheelchair and want to work out, keep mobile and fit, In Bed Med Recovery is the ultimate solution for you! Be sure to check out these fantastic options for staying fit while laid up, and take good and careful care!