skigirl
Former BoneSmart staff member
- Joined
- May 5, 2009
- Messages
- 13,596
- Age
- 80
- Location
- Minneapolis, MN
- Country
- United States
- Gender
- Female
I am still recovering from a tkr on May 13. I am doing quite well, but still struggle with swelling after working (I work in a store in the summer, fall) . My pt pointed out that if my quads and glutes were weak, there would be more stress on my joint itself--something has to hold that leg up and if the muscles are weak, the bones or joint has to do the work.
He told me that it is really time to step up my gym workouts--3 a week for strength training only on top of the cardio and swimming. I went home and thought, I have always been both stubborn and motivated---but, right now, I am not motivated like I used to be. I actually wrote down, well, I am older, maybe it is time to stop fighting to stay in shape. Then, I went to the pool and weighed myself and saw that I have gained five pounds.
Today, I woke up and went to the gym, one hour of cardio---rowing machine and interactive bike which is really fun. In the pm I did one hour of strength---glute machine, leg press, standing hamstring press, the ball--hamstrings of steel, balancing on a bosu ball (the big half ball) and finally, stepping up and down. I finished with floor exercises for my glutes!!! I walked out of there, covered in sweat and finally, motivated!!! Of course I don't want to go to Arizona for the winter!! what was I thinking?!!!
But, now I do relate to folks who are having trouble staying motivated to keep going--and with these knees, you have to keep your quads and glutes in shape just to walk around. So, here are some things that I do:
1. I put my gym times on my day calendar---schedule it just like anything else.
2. I have three workouts written on index cards--when I get there, I just grab a card and go there and do it.
3. Music helps the pain---I have an Ipod that my kids gave me and it really does help keep me motivated.
4. I sometimes listen to books on tape when I work out--I can stay longer sometimes, just waiting to get past the "good bits".
5. Weigh yourself and keep track in your day calendar--it helps to have a weekly weight written down in the place where you write lunch dates---reminds you that there is no dessert!!!
6.I have a small, inspirational card in my wallet---I wrote down all the things that I love to do--ski, hike,bike---all of which require a sturdy body. Remember why you are doing this--not for torture, but for fun!!
I hope all of you are able to do what you want to do soon. Kelly
He told me that it is really time to step up my gym workouts--3 a week for strength training only on top of the cardio and swimming. I went home and thought, I have always been both stubborn and motivated---but, right now, I am not motivated like I used to be. I actually wrote down, well, I am older, maybe it is time to stop fighting to stay in shape. Then, I went to the pool and weighed myself and saw that I have gained five pounds.
Today, I woke up and went to the gym, one hour of cardio---rowing machine and interactive bike which is really fun. In the pm I did one hour of strength---glute machine, leg press, standing hamstring press, the ball--hamstrings of steel, balancing on a bosu ball (the big half ball) and finally, stepping up and down. I finished with floor exercises for my glutes!!! I walked out of there, covered in sweat and finally, motivated!!! Of course I don't want to go to Arizona for the winter!! what was I thinking?!!!
But, now I do relate to folks who are having trouble staying motivated to keep going--and with these knees, you have to keep your quads and glutes in shape just to walk around. So, here are some things that I do:
1. I put my gym times on my day calendar---schedule it just like anything else.
2. I have three workouts written on index cards--when I get there, I just grab a card and go there and do it.
3. Music helps the pain---I have an Ipod that my kids gave me and it really does help keep me motivated.
4. I sometimes listen to books on tape when I work out--I can stay longer sometimes, just waiting to get past the "good bits".
5. Weigh yourself and keep track in your day calendar--it helps to have a weekly weight written down in the place where you write lunch dates---reminds you that there is no dessert!!!
6.I have a small, inspirational card in my wallet---I wrote down all the things that I love to do--ski, hike,bike---all of which require a sturdy body. Remember why you are doing this--not for torture, but for fun!!
I hope all of you are able to do what you want to do soon. Kelly