Suggestions for maintaining fitness with broken foot
 

So I'm just getting back in to cycling to augment my fitness regime, and yesterday I break my foot and will be in a boot for 6 weeks.

Any suggestions to maintain my fitness level or at least minimize the loss of fitness over that time? I may try to start swimming in a couple of weeks and see if I can just avoid pushing off with that foot. And I'm sure I'll be able to do some core work in time too.

Any ideas for diet beyond the obvious?

Anyone ever dealt with this issue before, and how did you deal with it?

Any input is appreciated. Thanks in advance.

John

If you have access to a hand pedaling machine, try that. It should at least help with keeping up the aerobic fitness. Swimming, like you said, should be a good source of exercise as long as your foot is protected appropriately.

Agreed with the swimming and the hand cycle thing. The latter looks completely dorky, but when a dislocated elbow kept me off the bike for about 6 months it really helped me rebuild strength in my arms.

Also, don't sweat the loss of fitness too much. Time off can be completely maddening when it isn't voluntary, but fitness doesn't just go away completely, especially not in 6 weeks. You might want to consider taking a little bit of time to just take it easy, rest, and relax so that you're ready to go at it hard again once you've healed. Good luck!

Thanks guys. I don't have access to a hand cycling machine, but I'll probably try swimming in a week or two. I think my biggest challenge will be diet since I'm a bit compulsive in that regard especially when I'm bored. Thanks again.

Would be a good time to focus on flexibility, stability, and core. yoga, pilates, etc. And swimming is great if you can do it.

You could also do some circuit training for the upper body.