Walking vs. swimming

[Bridge1967]

Not a big walker, because of pain in my knee, ankle and back. I prefer swimming and have a gym membership with indoor pool. I make it about 3 x a week right now (pre-surgery). I plan on maintaining that after surgery. Is that enough exercise?

 

[JudyNY]

Swimming is wonderful exercise!

 

[RuthieD]

I am a swimmer, and it is great movement after surgery - However, you won't be able to do it for a few weeks after surgery because your incisions need to be totally healed before you can submerge in water, and your recovery will be faster and easier if you can do something every day. Maybe you can get in the water more often or have a back up non-weight bearing activity like recumbent bike? I also found something that is handy and "ready to go" that you can do in or near your home is nice because, at least for me, little bits of movement through the day were easier than a full 30 min for the first few weeks after surgery.

 

[Bridge1967]

Oh, they would have that at the gym, I'm sure. Since I'll be off work, I can do it most days. Just had an idea- may make a schedule with my trainer to help me find exercises that are non-weight bearing. I had bought 3 sessions earlier this year and haven;t used them.

 

[suzannethemom]

Swimming is such a wonderful full body workout. Just remember that you won’t be able to swim for about a month after surgery due to the gauze strips on your stomach.