Exercises when you can't run

[Remus71]

Hi, I'm having an operation on my foot on Thurs and have been told I won't be able to run for at least 6 weeks. Absolutely gutted as I've only just found a love for running and don't want to have to start all over. Any advice on exercises I can do to keep up my cardio fitness that don't involve moving my feet (I'll be OK to stand and can move upper body OK, just nothing that involves banging my foot down) not sure if I'm asking the impossible but thought it would be worth asking anyway.

[CBDB Graduate]

So sorry to hear that. We do have plenty of runners who have managed to stay fit whilst on the injury couch, but it obviously is not the same thing as keeping on running. You may have to go back a few weeks or restart when getting back into running. I’ve re-started quite a few times (foot injury, calf strain, Covid) , so have amended my returns to my liking and enjoy the returns now.

For information, we have two sister forums, run by the same admin teams, that might be if interest to you (although walking also doesn’t sound like an option for you):

★ Strength and Flexibility Forum :  S&F is all about our needs as runners and walkers, or generally needing a bit more strength and flexibility-related workouts in your life. It includes a NHS-associated five-week programme delivered through a series of podcasts. healthunlocked.com/strength...

★ Active10 : Active10 is for those who want to include regular walking into their daily lives, with a dedicated walking app for iOS and Android. healthunlocked.com/active10

On S&F we have a specific folder for runners on the injury couch or those who want to target very specific parts of their body only. So have a browse, there might be a lot of workouts in there that you might be able to do:

healthunlocked.com/strength...

Wishing you loads of patience with your feet and a very speedy recovery!

[Remus71 Graduate in reply to CBDB]

Thank you. I'll take a look at these. It's going to drive me mad not being able to get out but for long term I know that's what's needed

[RunBrianRun Graduate]

There was a reply from a post recently from Cmoi , think it was, who recommended some great chair exercises. Sorry, cmoi if this was not you.

[Cmoi Graduate in reply to RunBrianRun]

Afraid it wasn't me RunBrianRun . No need to apologise though, I'm flattered you thought I might be that well-informed!

[RunBrianRun Graduate in reply to Cmoi]

😂

[RunBrianRun Graduate]

I found it 😀

m.youtube.com/watch?v=_nZ07...(Not working as expected?)

It’s this lady called Caroline Jordan

[Remus71 Graduate in reply to RunBrianRun]

Thanks, I'll give it a go 😊

[Cmoi Graduate]

Hi Remus71 , if you go to YouTube and search on "bodyfit seated exercises" that'll give you a whole bunch of videos.

(Disclaimer: I've never tried any of those exercises personally, I just googled out of curiosity after RunBrianRun 's post!)

[Remus71 Graduate in reply to Cmoi]

I think I'm going to be kept busy over the next few weeks, Haha

[Remus71 Graduate]

Quick update. One week after my op and I'm finding the seated exercises are helping to stop me going crazy not being able to go out. Thank you for all of the advice and support. Never thought I'd hear myself say that I really miss running but I do!

[MissUnderstanding Administrator On a break Graduate in reply to Remus71]

Missed this the first time round-sending masses of sympathy and good wishes your way. Glad the suggestions were helpful-there are so many lovely, wise people on here! Hopefully it won’t be too long before you’re back running again. The exercises you’re doing now will be of so much benefit when you do! Really good luck with your recovery ❤️

[Remus71 Graduate in reply to MissUnderstanding]

Thank you. I've been told minimum of 6 weeks before I can start walking any distance then to build up from there. I'm having to keep my foot elevated as much as possible to reduce swelling and stop infection so the exercises are the only time I put my foot down. The support on here is amazing and I'm so glad to be part of such a lovely group ❤️