Getting in shape AFTER surgery

[Confusedmom]

That's a great list, Karen. Thank you. Janet have you more detailed instructions than she gave me. I am going to print this out and take it with me.

[Confusedmom]

Susie Bee -- I'm printing yours, too. Thanks!! :-)

[golfnut]

Evelyn,
Janet gave me a printout with exercises I could do early in my recovery and added some to it when I went for check-ups, but the list on my previous post was from my YMCA. I took that with me to each visit and went over it with Janet. I just didn't want you to think she slighted you by not giving you as many exercises to do. For the first year, I stayed out of the workout room at the Y and only did Janet's list of exercises at home, walked, and did water aerobics.

[curvycakes]

Hi Evelyn,

I'm 4 years post-op and recently started "Pure Barre", which is a lot of isometric movements, strengthening and lengthening--basically a combination of yoga, pilates and ballet movements. There are a lot of barre places popping around everywhere (big fitness trend, lots of home workout DVDs), and I would suggest something similar that doesn't require a large range of motion and doesn't put pressure on your joints. It really got me back in shape without putting pressure on my back. That's why I like these classes, because even though I'm 4 years post-op, I still find some discomfort with high impact exercise..even running. The stretching/lengthening aspect of this kind of workout did wonders for my back muscles. It incorporates some weight training for your upper body, and I usually use around 3 lb. or 5 lb. weights.

-Tinamaria

[Confusedmom]

Thanks, I will check it out!!

[aileens]

I love barre classes, I was taking them 4-5 times a week before my surgery. I can't wait to go back but I'm thinking maybe at 1 year. I recommend Bar Method as it was developed by physical therapists.