5 ways to stay in shape when you’re injured

It doesn’t take much of an injury to sideline someone, even if that person is an exceptional athlete. The human body is still fragile, and a sprained ankle, broken bone, torn muscle, or other injury can stop an exercise routine dead in its tracks.

SEE ALSO: 8 ways to help a broken bone heal faster

Thankfully it’s possible to maintain your fitness level (for the most part) if you are injured, though much of this depends on where you have been hurt ad how long your recovery period lasts. A a general rule, however, you can follow these 7 ways to stay in shape compiled by Saludify.

5 ways to stay in shape when you’re injured

• Work what can be worked: Probably the easiest rule to follow when you’re looking to stay in shape is to work what can be worked of your body. If you’re laid up due to a leg injury, take the time to do abdominal work ad upper body movements that don’t strain your lower limbs. Crunches, modified pushups and pullups are all ideas to get in some exercise once a day. Have an arm that’s injured? There’s no reason you can’t take a jog with it properly supported.
• Start a new healthy habit: Shape magazine indicates and injury is the perfect time to start a new healthy habit. This can be as simple as cutting out sugary beverages or it can be as involved as completely overhauling your diet. No matter what you choose, the injury will help you focus on your goal.
• Modify your calorie intake: First, just because you’re not moving doesn’t mean you aren’t burning calories. People recovering from injuries sometimes burn more calories than they would just laying around since the body needs to spend energy to repair itself. But, because healing probably won’t burn as much as a 5-mile run, it does pay to decrease your meal portion size and keep track of the snacks you eat during the day.
• Look for alternative ways to move: If you find it’s too difficult to move around on land, consider taking your fitness to the water. Many people with injuries find the buoyancy of water helps relieve the pain associated with bearing weight, and what’s more, swimming is one of the best ways out there work all the muscles in the body. Competitor.com indicates water workouts provide resistance without stressing the joints.
• Find a hobby: If you’re truly immobilized and no level of exercise is possible for you, the best thing you can do is keep your mind active. If you become bored you will be more likely to snack or eat out of negative emotions. Having a place to focus your energy allows you to eat only when you are hungry.

SEE ALSO: How to prepare for a surgery both physically and mentally

Above all, when it comes to ways to stay in shape when you’re injured, make sure you discuss your fitness plans with your attending physician. Just because you can workout doesn’t mean you should; some injuries require complete immobilization even if they are in an extremity.

It’s better to heal completely and take the extra weight off after recovery than to make your injury worse or prolong the healing process.