7 Ways to Stay Active Without Putting Stress on Your Ankles and Feet

Some circumstances, such as recovering from an injury, can require that you not put any stress on your feet and ankles. But this doesn’t mean you have to become a couch potato and stop all physical activity. Today Dr. Hubert Lee at CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists in Bellevue, WA is sharing some activities you can still do without stressing your feet and ankles.

If you’re told to avoid engaging in any weight-bearing activities, you still need to be physically active to some extent.

Here are 7 activities you can still enjoy:

1. Yoga: While some yoga positions put stress on your feet and ankles, many of them don’t. Yoga is great for improving your balance and keeping you in good physical condition. If you can, work with a yoga instructor who can demonstrate those positions that will take the pressure off your feet and ankles.

2. Swimming: Water activities are one of the best things you can do if you need to keep weight off of your feet and ankles because being in the water makes you more buoyant. And while you’re not putting any weight on your feet or ankles, you’re still getting an excellent heart-healthy workout.

3. Riding a bicycle: Riding a regular or stationary bike is an activity that can help maintain your physical strength without stressing your feet and ankles. Doctors often recommend 150 minutes of physical activity per week for heart benefits, and bike riding is a great way to reach that goal.

4. Range of motion exercises: These exercises are intended to move your soft tissues and joints to improve and/or maintain your range of movement. While they can help if you’ve had surgery or an injury, they can also help you burn calories and make you stronger.

5. Lifting weights while sitting down. Using resistance bands or lifting weights while sitting down can strengthen your upper body without putting any stress on your feet or ankles.

6. Performing isometric exercises: These exercises, which involve contracting certain muscles or groups of muscles, are meant to build and maintain strength. Examples include contracting and relaxing the muscles in your thighs or buttocks.

7. Using a rowing machine or elliptical. This is an excellent way to get a cardiovascular workout, and both can also help you burn calories while maintaining your level of fitness.

There are other activities you can try, and Dr. Hubert Lee at CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists in Bellevue, WA would be happy to help you come up with an exercise routine. You can book a consultation with us either online or by calling us at 425-455-0936.