Post-Injury Blues: Exercising When You Can’t Run

Just because you can’t run doesn’t mean that you need to give up on your exercise and health goals. With a little perseverance and some ingenuity, you will be able to continue training while your injury heals.

Switch to a Recumbent Bicycle

Depending on what type of injury has occurred, switching over to a recumbent bicycle for a short period of time might be a good option. When you are riding one of those bikes, you are going to be in a comfortable position, and that will take some of the stress off certain joints, muscles, and ligaments. You can even use a stationary recumbent bicycle at your local gym if you aren’t interested in purchasing a new bicycle for yourself.

Practice Swimming

If you have undergone any type of knee injury treatment, then running and riding a bicycle could both be out of the question. In those situations, switching over to swimming can help keep your body and mind in shape without stressing your ligaments. During your extra swimming sessions, you will be able to perfect your stroke while improving your cardiovascular health. The weightlessness of water also allows you to exercise an injured leg without putting strain on it, and swimming is often recommended by physical therapists to those with feet and knee problems.

Consider Yoga

Many people don’t realize just how beneficial yoga can be. This ancient practice will help you with your breath control, and that is going to make a huge difference when you are struggling with pre-exercise jitters. Yoga is also going to increase your flexibility, and studies have revealed that improved flexibility can reduce your risk of repetitive movement injuries. Those who have never tried yoga before should consider taking an introductory class.

Try Deep Water Running

Running out on the road might be impossible for a little while, but that doesn’t mean you need to avoid running entirely. In many cases, an injured person can begin deep water running during their recovery. While this activity will continue to strengthen the primary muscles throughout your legs, it is very low-impact. That makes it an excellent option for those who are recovering from knee, ankle, and hip injuries. Water running can take place in any shallow pool, underwater treadmill, or swim spa. In addition to these few tips and tricks, you must also make sure that you follow a strict diet. With the proper diet, you will be able to blast through training plateaus, speed up your recovery, and stay within a healthy weight range. Don’t let an injury convince you that you can’t keep up with your exercise goals while you heal!