[islandmama]

I am no stranger to weight training. I did the BFL program after the birth of my 2nd daughter, and the weight training was my favorite part... Empowering, you know?

I need help with a plan this time around. I was in a car accident this last New Years Eve, and I need to avoid any weight training or weight training machine that puts any kind of pressure on my right knee, and my left front leg from the knee to the ankle.

As far as machines go, I know I can do the lying leg curl, but not the sitting leg extension. For free weights, squats would put too much pressure on my knee, and lunges would KILL my knee. Any thoughts on some free weight leg exercises I can do?

I am so thankful for any info and suggestions you all can give me. I am looking to start up my workouts again this coming week.

Thanks!

Christy

[BethO]

Hi Christy, and welcome to LWL -

I'm a military spouse too...

Are you seeing a physiotherapist for your rehabilitation? Can you make an appointment with one to get specific exercise recommendations?

Welcome back to BFL!

BethO

[islandmama]

I had been seeing a bone and joint specialist, and yesterday marked my last appointment. The problems I have left are to heal on their own... just nerve damage, and some fluid still lingering around my knee cap. I can walk fine, I just can't put pressure on my knee or left leg. For example, I can't kneel on my knees, or get up from the floor by rolling on my knee for support.

I am trying to find exercises that work my hams, glutes, and quads that do not require bars to rest on the front of my leg... and also no squats or lunges as it is too much for my knee.

Thanks for helping me out! Where are you stationed?

Christy

[MrsJim]

Christy - personally I would never give medical advice to anyone - I'm far from qualified

What I would suggest is going to your bone/joint specialist...bring the BFL book if you want...and ASK him what strength training exercises he feels are safe for you to do. He knows your history...he's the best one to ask (of course you could be seeing a female doctor... )

But definitely give your doc a call before you start training legs. If you reinjure yourself, you're sure as heck not gonna make progress...

[islandmama]

He told me just what I mentioned above. Avoid putting pressure directly on my knee and left lower front leg.

Otherwise, there is no break or fracture that can occur from my injury. Just nerve damage.

[BethO]

Hi Christy -

We're in Toronto, Canada - my DH is with the Canadian Forces.

Do you work out at the base gym? You probably have military personnel who are exercise physiologists or some kind of kinesiologists - can you make an appointment with them to orient you to the equipment in the gym you can use even with your current limitations?

What do you have access to - a full gym set up (machines & free weights) or are you working out at home with limited equipment?

I don't mean to frustrate you...we really want to help you, but the kind of heavy weight training recommended on BFL is hard on your body even when it's 100% healthy - as you well remember from your last experience with the program - and we all want to you be lifting when you're in your 60's...like we plan to.

BethO

[islandmama]

We have a base gym that has machines and free weights. It has pretty much everything, so that is great.

I just won't be able to push myself on my lower body. I will have to do it moderately. I guess I will just stick to lying leg curls and wall squats without weights. I was having trouble brainstorming different leg exercises that didn't involve contact from the machine to my lower leg and knee, or too much "stress" on my knee... like lunges would be to much force and I can imagine that just hurting.

My specialist appointments are over. They were special ordered by a base doctor, and the last one was Monday. If I go back, I'd have to foot the bill and I can't do that. I am not concerned with injuring my knee or leg. The only thing injured on my left lower front leg was nerve damage. The nerves just need several years to repair themselves. The only thing I am concerned with that is just pain, lol. I don't want any pressure on that part because it will hurt me, not injur me. My knee... well it has swelling left over and a small crack under the knee cap. The doc said that won't ever really heal, but there is no worry of injuring it any worse except for "wear and tear". Again, it is just about pain. Ow.

I will figure it out somehow. I am trying to look in all my old muscle mags for leg workouts that might work for my situation.

Thanks,
Christy