This is How You Train with a #BustedAnkle

Remember back in November (GOSH that was a long time ago) when I did a dumb thing and my ankle ended up looking like this?

Not. Bueno.

Not. Bueno.

Well. It looks less like that now and more like a normal foot/ankle situation, albeit a little bit puffier than one would like. Two months of physical therapy later, and I’m still not allowed to run. Yet. My orthopedist made mention of “coming back to see [him] in a month if the ankle still isn’t better.” That was before Christmas.

For those of you that can count, Christmas was nearly a month ago. Ankle? Still not 100%. But, I’m waiting to make that appointment until my PT gives me a re-evaluation. (I really don’t want to have to do the surgery-thing. I want to avoid the surgery-thing as much as possible.)

Anyways. In trying to avoid the surgery-thing, my PT has me doing all sorts of fun things. Strengthening exercises, ultrasound, stim… and he’s cleared me cycle (THANK GOODNESS), do the elliptical, and walk briskly on the treadmill. So, I’ve headed back to the gym, with gusto, to continue to train and strengthen my sad ankle and try to stay in shape (a shape that isn’t a circle).

So, how do you workout with a sort-of busted appendage? Let me count the ways:

Cycle:

I’ve been spinning for about two years now and I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t one of my favorite things. I try to go at least three or four times a week. Lately, I’ve been going nearly every day. Because when my options are either spin or “walk briskly on the treadmill,” I’ll take spin every time. Not to mention the fact that it’s a great cardio workout and if you focus on form and power – it can be a great strength workout too. #quadzilla like whoa.

Spin is good for the soul.

Spin is good for the soul.

Weight Training:

I love lifting. Like, a lot. Because when you do it right, lifting weights burns a ton of calories, builds muscle, and works your whole body like crazy. I like to get in a session after a cardio workout, when I’m warmed up already. I haven’t been as disciplined about getting in the weight room in the last few months, and I’ve felt it. So, this month, I’ve made an effort to lift at least four times a week, and I feel SO much better.

Musclessssss. Sort of.

Musclessssss. Sort of.

Rowing:

Chick Vic is a real rower. I just like to hang out on the Concept2. This is a great upper body and core workout. And it doesn’t hurt my ankle which is an even better thing. I like to do this on days that I’m not spinning, because this wipes me out! Added bonus, if you row, you can be a cool cat like Frank Underwood:

Maybe I watch too much House of Cards...

Maybe I watch too much House of Cards…

I’m supposed to be cleared to run this week (I go back to my PT today), but in the event that I’m not, I’m going to ask about swimming. I haven’t been allowed to do that yet for fear of hyperextending my ankle, but now that it’s on the mend, I should be able to. Fingers crossed I get some good news today!

What are your favorite workouts? How have you coped with an injury? Because it’s just the worst.

6 thoughts on “This is How You Train with a #BustedAnkle

  1. In high school I sprained BOTH my ankles at the same time. One was a 3rd degree sprain. It was one of the most painful experiences EVER, but I got through it rather quickly! One thing I did everyday (per my athletic trainer) was put my ankles in an ice bath after school. While in there, I was instructed to move my ankles in the shapes of the alphabet letters. Once I got from A-Z I was allowed to come out! Good luck!!

    • Oh I know that routine well! This is the… fifth? time I’ve sprained this ankle and both in high school and in college when I was playing basketball, my coaches and trainers had me do the same! I’m doing ice and stim and lots of mobility stuff now, too, to break up some of the inflammation.

      But both at the same time? Yowch! I’ve not done that yet. Though I’ve come pretty close. Thanks!!

  2. I really appreciate that you look for other ways to exercise while you’re healing! It would be so much easier to just say, “Well, I guess I’m just going to hang out for 2 months” but you don’t and I’m pretty impressed by you for it!

    And when you’re ready to return to the running thang, you just let me know and I’ll be here with my running shoes (and a quart of ice cream).

    • Dude. You know just as well as I do that if I decided just to hang for 2 months, my pants wouldn’t fit. And I’m poor. And I can’t afford a new wardrobe. Haha. I would also go stir crazy! Though I probably wouldn’t be as behind on my Netflix-watching. The choices we make…

      Be on the ready: running shoes and ice cream are on the horizon.

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