Need advice-post knee surgery

P

Plodman

0
I am having ACL replacement surgery on April 17th. I am looking for advice on what would be the best post surgical weighlifting routine for burning calories.
I currently lift 3-4 days a week and cardio 5 times a week. I'm worried about packing on the pounds during rehab because my cardio will be non-existant for awhile. I understand diet will play a huge part but I'll miss the cardio benefits badly.
I'm looking for advice on what would be the best weightlifting routine to burn the most calories to kind of replace the cardio aspect?
I'm thinking 4-5 days a week, low weight, high reps, minimal rest between sets(?????)
Thanks in advance for any advice!
 
There really isn't a good weight lifting regiment as a replacement to cardio. Your best bet is to find a hand bike, and get your cardio done through your upper body.
 
Plodman said:
I am having ACL replacement surgery on April 17th. I am looking for advice on what would be the best post surgical weighlifting routine for burning calories.

I currently lift 3-4 days a week and cardio 5 times a week. I'm worried about packing on the pounds during rehab because my cardio will be non-existant for awhile. I understand diet will play a huge part but I'll miss the cardio benefits badly.

I'm looking for advice on what would be the best weightlifting routine to burn the most calories to kind of replace the cardio aspect?

I'm thinking 4-5 days a week, low weight, high reps, minimal rest between sets(?????)
Thanks in advance for any advice!
Click to expand...

I realize I'm stating the obvious, but I think the best person to run these questions by would be a professional in this area - like the physio who will be in charge of your post-op rehab.

I do know there are traditional and accelerated post-op ACL rehab protocols that can take anywhere from 16+ weeks to 6+ months. And, on the accelerated side, I do recall hearing about some post-op ACL athletes doing light and limited cardio a soon as 3 weeks or so afterwards on things like stationary bikes and steppers. Those cardio machines may burn some calories, but I think adding some weight ( i,e calories ) over your rehab period due to the cessation of your normal weekly cardio regimen may simply be a reality you're going have to accept.

If it were me, I'd dedicate and focus 110% of my efforts to the single goal of ensuring I got my knee back to as close to 100% as is possible...and bump the issue of calories I burn way down on my list of priorities - but that's just me. And I can say that with the benefit of hindsight, as I had a PCL knee injury to contend with years ago.

As for weight training, that's a bit more of a tricky thing to do on your own post-op IMO - I would really let the rehab folks guide you 100% on that front.
 
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After my knee surgery I took to the pool for cardio. As soon as the stitches heal grab a buoy for your legs (it goes between your thighs). This lets your legs float and keeps them immobile.
 
Hand bike after surgery.Keep working on your range of motion!!! 4-5 days of pain then it gets better. Work abductors & aductors after surgery.Very light leg extensions & leg curls.
Use bike, kayaking or swimming for cardio when you are up to it.Follow Physical Therapists instructions for a fast recovery.Good Luck.
 
I feel for ya bro!

Just last month I sprained the hell out of my ACL and tore-up my meniscus pretty good. Not sure if I'll need surgery, but I know what it's like to be down!

There is absolutely nothing to stop you from doing upper-body and some core exercise. I hit upper-body weights every other day. I also took to the pool and did many laps....just drag the leg and don't kick with it, it's not hard at all.

I also found the pool to be excellent therapy when it came time to start putting pressure/weight back on the leg. Walking forwards, backwards and even side-to-side in the pool is great. Your body weight is minimal and the water gives you some resistance so you can work muscles without loading-up the joints too much.

You can also check-out the hand-bike, some rowing machines and keeping your pimp-hand strong by b!tch-slapping some ho's....but all in all you'll pretty much find that your appetite isn't as much as it used to be and you can come out of this without gaining any weight or losing any muscle.

Again, I feel your pain! Cadaver, eh?
 
You need to get with your Physical Therapist for advice on your cardio needs. They will advise you within the needs of your injury. I had ACL reconstruction in 1997 and my Therapist advised me to prevent re-injury and set back in therapy. I actually lost weight during my therapy and was jumping from planes and rock climbing again within 6 months of surgery. The Therapist does not want you to gain weight either.

Good Luck!

Take Care! God Bless!!

Breacher
 
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