Cardio for broken legs?

[Fergyt17]

Does anyone have any Cardio suggestions for a frustrated 65 yo fitness junkie with 2 broken legs?  Cardio m doing strength training with dumbbells but can’t get my heart rate up. After 3 months I’m going to find exercising very challenging! 

[Heybales · Accepted solution]

You'll have to use large muscle groups in order to illicit a cardiovascular improvement, or maintenance at this point.

And it'll be different muscles so those leg muscles are going to lose it no matter what - just have to accept that.

But heart & lungs can be kept active.

Arm ergometer, trying to engage largest chest and back muscles not just tri/biceps that are easy to engage.

https://exrx.net/Aerobic/Exercises/ArmErgometer

ETA:

While it's true the cardio system looses it quicker than the muscle strength systems - using the heart & lungs for another muscle group will still help keep it active.

Lift heavy for the upper body as long as you can be safe, since legs are still used for proper form for most of them - perhaps some gym machines will become available. But needs to be heavy, no easy stuff.

That will keep the heart & lungs engaged working hard.

At some point in those 3 months - you'll also likely be receiving allowance for increasing amount of weight that can be used on the legs. Perfect for weight machines set to that weight - just confirm with Dr.

During those light weight bearing times - can probably also get setup on Spin Bike non-standing to get the cardio in.

After 3 months of recovery from trimalleolar fracture (triple ankle break) I had all restrictions lifted on a Fri, and on Sat did a 24 mile group ride without issue.

Nothing like getting stares going into a Spin Class on crutches, or hobbling around in gym in general between circuit machines, or getting up on sled with no weight (because it provided 40 lbs already).

Oh - no diet during this time - not the time to restrict your body of nutrients and calories when it's requirements have gone up. Find the eating level that maintains weight.

[checking]

It is more difficult to go cardio  without the large leg muscles involved, but certainly not impossible - think of paraplegic wheelchair racers. You can use an "arm bike" (very standard for PT) to engage arms and shoulders in a continuous aerobic (if you push it a bit) activity. For example, search "Vaunn Medical Folding Pedal Exerciser with electronic display for legs and arms workout" on Amazon ($55)

[AC363904]

Air boxing, air boxing with weights, rope pulls, desk push ups, ball throws, if you're in a wheelchair push yourself in a safe area, ect. Feel free to send me a message for more ideas!

[Cynerenika]

Maybe you could find a suitable exercise machine or workout for seniors in your town?

[lametcalyf]

Maybe you could find a suitable exercise machine or workout for seniors in your town? Some people do online workouts for people who have trouble getting out of the house.
I exercise all the time, but recently I started having back problems. My doctor told me to stop running for a while. So I decided to switch to biking and get cyclist legs. My workouts are pretty laid back, not for time or speed. They just help me keep myself in shape.