Paleo Diet and Paleolithic Diet Questions & Answers

Question

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So I will not get into details but my problem is that I had an life altering surgery that has left me high and dry when it comes to working out and gaining muscle. My restrictions are where I can not have any impact training be it running, jogging, sprinting, etc.. I can not have resistance training, core training, leg lifts, squats, etc.. And above all I can not weight train.

What I am left with is workouts for the elderly, walking, swimming, and a cross trainer. I dream of becoming ultra toned but how can I when I am so very restricted. I can't help being jealous of my husband when he is running, sprinting, doing pull-ups, sit-ups, etc...

This is really bothering me. When I read in the paleo forums I feel left out and really sad because nearly everyone talks about their workout routines. I just feel so out of place.

Any advice?

flag	asked May 16 2011 at 13:31 Uggla 33●4

I just have to ask: how do you know that the weight-training is above all out for you? Just asking. Was it a conventional MD that told you? – ben61820 May 16 2011 at 14:31

I think it's safe to say Uggla can't do any weight training. I'm not an MD, but below she mentioned she had something like hernia surgery, and reconstructive surgery to move her organs. – Ben May 16 2011 at 15:04

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Walking is fantasic. Mark Sissons recommends that most of what you do should be walking/hiking type stuff. Swimming is also good. I walk 40 minutes 4-5 times per week. – Dave S. May 16 2011 at 16:46

Water aerobics......and nutrition is key. Using arginine and ornathine are key post op for muscle regrowth – The Quilt May 16 2011 at 18:43

Ben · Accepted Answer · 2011-05-16 13:54:42Z UTC

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Swimming is a great exercise. How intensely can you swim? Your body will be affected the same way when you "sprint" when you swim compared to running. Look at olympic swimmers! They're in amazing shape.

answered May 16 2011 at 13:54

Ben
4,101●1●9●29

I can swim pretty intense as long as I do not strain too hard. Because swimming reduces stress on the body. – Uggla May 16 2011 at 13:59

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I was a state level swimmer in high school. I've never been in as good as shape, even after starting paleo and CrossFit. – Ben May 16 2011 at 14:06

I'd rec the swimming, too. I think all americans would do well with more swimming. Theres essentially no downsides and its pretty whole-body yknow. I wish i had a pool nearby. – ben61820 May 16 2011 at 14:33

Same here. It's sooooo great! – Ben May 16 2011 at 14:37

Carl_Stawicki · Answer 2 · 2011-05-16 13:35:49Z UTC

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Have you looked into isometrics? I've been doing isometrics while sitting at my desk at work, similar to this:

http://youtu.be/kA78Dtu2-q4

answered May 16 2011 at 13:35

Carl_Stawicki
13.3k●1●6●32

	I have never heard of isometrics I will google it and watch the link. Thanks! – Uggla May 16 2011 at 13:38
	i second isometrics. I do these while driving 2 hrs/day, which would otherwise be a waste of time – Kathi May 16 2011 at 21:00

cliff · Answer 3 · 2011-05-16 13:45:56Z UTC

Where do you live?

The only exercising I do is surfing, usually 3-5 hours 5-7 days a week. I've been doing this for around 6 months now and I've gained a ton of muscle, strength and better body composition. Surfing is more hardcore then most exercises because it so fun, I can literally surf till my arms fall off if the waves are pumping.

If you don't have access to the ocean find a low impact fun sport that you can participate in. Think of it as a blessing that you can't do monotonous boring exercises over and over again in the hopes you look better instead of actually gaining real fitness and having fun ;P

Uggla · Answer 4 · 2011-05-16 13:58:23Z UTC

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I should add some info, to get a better understanding of what I am going through. I had something kinda like a hernia. They did reconstructive surgery to lift my organs back inside, straining, impact, squating, and lifting, are very dangerous to me, even in simple forms.

answered May 16 2011 at 13:58

Uggla
33●4

	Sounds like a whipple proceedure for evisceration.....or a gas gangrene post op issue – The Quilt May 16 2011 at 18:45
	Neither of them but it's personal and has to do with cancer treatment, so I would rather leave it alone. – Uggla May 17 2011 at 6:07

Jodi · Answer 5 · 2011-05-16 14:01:11Z UTC

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You can gain strength doing yoga. Lots of other benefits too.

answered May 16 2011 at 14:01

Jodi
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I am not allowed to do Yoga, it puts strain on my abdominal and pelvic floor muscles. I have looked into it, it really bummed me out because I was hoping to join a local class. – Uggla May 16 2011 at 14:12

Julie · Answer 6 · 2011-05-16 14:04:49Z UTC

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How about something like Tai Chi, in addition to your swimming?

answered May 16 2011 at 14:04

Julie
181●2

I have not looked into Tai Chi! Will will now though, thanks! – Uggla May 16 2011 at 14:13

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my pop who is 65 years old, fit and trim as he's always been. He does none of things from your "off" list - he only does taichi maybe 2-3 times per week and yoga the same amount. He started tap dancing classes 1 or 2 times per week, too. I know that thats prolly too much impact for you but that amount of activity keeps him completely fit. – ben61820 May 16 2011 at 14:32

pamipoi · Answer 7 · 2011-05-16 14:11:41Z UTC

I have been doing a rehab based exercise program to help my back after getting hit by a car in 1999. It's called T-tapp. It is compound, comprehensive muscle movement exercises with no weights or impact. It also moves lymph very effectively, so if you have edema from your surgery or for people who have had lymph nodes removed it's something to try. When I first watch demos of it I thought it looked easy and couldn't see how it would be effective. It wasn't until I actually started doing the exercises that I experience for myself the benefits. The stronger you get, the more effective and efficient your workouts become. My improvements in range of motion and pain reduction alone are priceless to me. Teresa Tapp is the creator and she has a website. If you call their office her staff people are very helpful and can show you where to start. I haven't lifted a weight in 3 years yet have had increases in bone density and my stomach is flatter than when I was in high school. I can't promise you'll look like a body builder but you will be fit. They have workshops year round. You might want to check it out. www.t-tapp.com

JakeA · Answer 8 · 2011-05-16 14:57:12Z UTC

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Using the concept2 rower would probably help a lot. It's a full-body workout and you can work as hard or as easily as you can based on your current fitness level or needs. It's also zero impact.

answered May 16 2011 at 14:57

JakeA
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	Sorry, but see this below, "They did reconstructive surgery to lift my organs back inside, straining, impact, squating, and lifting, are very dangerous to me, even in simple forms." Not to mention she is in a small town in Scandanavia....probably doesn't even have access to a C2 if she could do it. – Ben May 16 2011 at 15:06
	Ben you are right! Thank you JakeA for the suggestion though. – Uggla May 16 2011 at 15:13
	I do agree that erging can be quite strenuous. It can also be very light. It's a matter of how much you put into it. I also know that Concept2 ships worldwide, and could get an erg to scandanavia if it were paid for. The erg may not be the immediate answer but it's still a good tool for the future. – JakeA May 16 2011 at 15:59
	if you can sit in a chair, then erging lightly is no more intense than swimming. Swimming requires a base level of intensity just to remain above the water. – JakeA May 16 2011 at 16:00

Sara · Answer 9 · 2011-05-16 18:38:40Z UTC

Have you tried some floating dumbbells in the pool? They're made of foam, and can provide surprising resistance if you want them to. I love water aerobics, but understand about the "elderly" factor about it. It's refreshing, and can give some good tone. Any way you keep yourself moving will help.

Feeling left out.

9 Answers