Can anyone give a link?

moxieboyvt · 05-19-2008, 08:10 AM

Hi, I've been in a wheelchair for about 14 years, to the point where my muscles and ligaments, etc., are starting to atrophy. I can't do squats, even with no weight, but I can stand. I used to walk with a leg brace as a child, but surgeries set me back a decade and a half. Anyway, does anyone know of any workout plans designed for lower body reconstruction that is as bad as mine?

I don't have flex muscles in my feet, but everything else is there, just really tiny. It's honestly quite embarrassing, and I want to build up what I have, and hopefully get walking again. Thanks so much.

-Danny

Pairunoyd · 05-19-2008, 08:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by moxieboyvt

Hi, I've been in a wheelchair for about 14 years, to the point where my muscles and ligaments, etc., are starting to atrophy. I can't do squats, even with no weight, but I can stand. I used to walk with a leg brace as a child, but surgeries set me back a decade and a half. Anyway, does anyone know of any workout plans designed for lower body reconstruction that is as bad as mine?

I don't have flex muscles in my feet, but everything else is there, just really tiny. It's honestly quite embarrassing, and I want to build up what I have, and hopefully get walking again. Thanks so much.

-Danny

I would think a physical therapist could answer these questions. But, hearing from various sources is a good idea.

I've heard of those electrodes that make your muscles contract. Is there anyone to help you train? Maybe they could move your legs around and you can try to follow their movements some or even resist. But Im getting over my head.

I wish you the best. Main thing is the mental challenge. You gotta keeo taking those baby steps to get anywhere. Get in it for the long haul!

SFT · 05-19-2008, 09:40 AM

When you say you cannot squat what exactly do you mean? Have you been advised to not even try, or do you try and just do not have the strength to return to a standing position.

I know old time strongmen and have heard some lifters now progress in squats by height. For example, they might have 600lbs on the bar and they can only squat it a few inches, progress by an inch a week or whatnot.

This could possibly be used in your case. Build 2 boxes that are 12", maybe one that is 6", then 2-3 2" boxes or something along these lines. Start off stacking the boxes to the point where you are only squatting a few inches. Something that is challenging to do for a few reps. As your legs start getting stronger you should be able to increase range of motion by pulling away boxes.

You could also try things like leg raises, lying on your back, with one leg bent, try to raise your leg off the bed or floor.

I am no doctor and don't know the extent of your condition, but assuming muscles are intact that are required by squats, you should be able to increase your strength this way with the box squats.

Good luck with getting started.

bango skank · 05-19-2008, 10:25 AM

First off, congratulations on losing 240lbs!!! Holy crap that's just amazing. Looking at your avatar I thought that was 2 separate people... and it basically is, what a transformation! And that you were able to do that with such a major physical obstacle is a testament that you can do anything that you set out to do. I'd love to hear more about your experiences.

But back your question; can you go into more detail about your disability? I apologize if that is the wrong word. Is your inability to squat due to biomechanical or strength limitations?

moxieboyvt · 05-19-2008, 02:14 PM

thanks for the encouragement. The box thing sounds like a pretty good idea, but i wouldn't be able to carry all of that to the gym with me. I have a wheelchair, maybe i could use that somehow. I'll have to play around with it.

i'm disabled because i was born without certain muscles in my feet and calves, compounded with an injury when i was 12 where a physical therapist broke my leg in two places by accident, leaving me wheelchair bound as the leg healed wrong. then i gained weight and, for a while, lost all ability to walk. after losing all the weight i have, i've been able to walk again with a brace, albeit much less. the brace hurts a lot because my skin isn't conditioned to it at all, and even ten minutes wearing it leaves me with major blisters.

i truly would like to get walking well enough where i could go on extensive hikes, maybe even for days at a time. i can squat a bit, but my leg strength has decreased a lot because of my weightloss. they used to have to be strong just so i could stand to transfer. less body weight equals less resistance and less muscle mass, a catch 22. also, my right leg bows out when i try to squat, which i'm not sure why that's started happening. i'm thinking my ligaments have tightened or something, over the years of sitting. i wonder if yoga or some kind of stretching regimen would be beneficial.

any suggestions and questions are very welcome. don't worry about offending me. I'm a gimp. I think political correctness is for pussies who don't like themselves. Peace out, bitches! (and thanks for all the help!)

ironwill2008 · 05-19-2008, 02:31 PM

Maybe the best place for you to start would just be to walk as much as you can. Maybe that will give you a base from which you can do some lower-body weight exercises. I hesitate to add anything else, since I'm no physical therapist, or any kind of med professional. Major props for the progress you've already made. You've got my respect, FWIW.

bango skank · 05-19-2008, 03:25 PM

I'd recommend strengthening your legs in a wading pool, working on range of motion, stability, etc. Yoga in a pool would work very well imo.

Pairunoyd · 05-19-2008, 03:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bango skank

I'd recommend strengthening your legs in a wading pool, working on range of motion, stability, etc. Yoga in a pool would work very well imo.

excellent idea!

SFT · 05-19-2008, 08:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by moxieboyvt

thanks for the encouragement. The box thing sounds like a pretty good idea, but i wouldn't be able to carry all of that to the gym with me. I have a wheelchair, maybe i could use that somehow. I'll have to play around with it.

i'm disabled because i was born without certain muscles in my feet and calves, compounded with an injury when i was 12 where a physical therapist broke my leg in two places by accident, leaving me wheelchair bound as the leg healed wrong. then i gained weight and, for a while, lost all ability to walk. after losing all the weight i have, i've been able to walk again with a brace, albeit much less. the brace hurts a lot because my skin isn't conditioned to it at all, and even ten minutes wearing it leaves me with major blisters.

i truly would like to get walking well enough where i could go on extensive hikes, maybe even for days at a time. i can squat a bit, but my leg strength has decreased a lot because of my weightloss. they used to have to be strong just so i could stand to transfer. less body weight equals less resistance and less muscle mass, a catch 22. also, my right leg bows out when i try to squat, which i'm not sure why that's started happening. i'm thinking my ligaments have tightened or something, over the years of sitting. i wonder if yoga or some kind of stretching regimen would be beneficial.

any suggestions and questions are very welcome. don't worry about offending me. I'm a gimp. I think political correctness is for pussies who don't like themselves. Peace out, bitches! (and thanks for all the help!)

I'm not sure what your living situation is, but if you have a place at home you could keep the boxes that would work well, don't necessarily have to do it at the same time as the gym.

The pool idea seems pretty decent too.

In terms of the leg bowing, it could be numerous things. If I sit on my ass for a long time during the winter, even walking 1-2 miles a day to class, my muscles tighten up. So, I cannot even imagine how 13 some years would be.

I'd definitely suggest looking into some mobility work. Trying to get moving through full ranges of motion that you normally haven't in the past will most likely be the key.

Pairunoyd · 05-19-2008, 08:30 PM

There's a lot cool stuff being done w/ bands these days. Do a search.

You could hook a band to your chair and whenever the mood strikes, you can hook the other end to your ankle and commence exercising! You could also connect one end to a stationary object and while sitting, do - seated leg curls. Lots of tricks can be carried out w/ those suckers.