Good day everyone!!

I have a question about exercise.  I walk with a limp due to sciatica (sp); I can manage to walk about 2.5-2.7mph before I feel stress in my back and leg.  My problem is, I don't feel like I am getting in a good workout and feel defeated/depressed.  I've tried the elliptical and can manage 5 minutes so far, working up each time I try by 30 seconds.  I can do the recumbent bike for 20 minutes (again, working up to more time)...I do some free weights at home and want to get back to Zumba and start doing some videos. I was suppose to have back surgery for my bulging L5 prior to RNY, but put off the back surgery until getting off some weight.  It feels better even with the little bit of weight I've lost so far, but not great. 

Has anyone else ever had this problem and what did you do?  Even though I am not working up a soaking sweat, am I doing OK?  I want so badly for the tool to work and feel defeated with exercise.  I know that some say you can do it without exercise, but I want to tone as I go down. 

Thanks in advance!!
Cari

The best place for me to exercise is in water.  I do water aerobics and sometimes put on a water belt and exercise that way.  It keeps the stress off of your bones.  I always use New Balance water shoes when working out in the pool.

I agree with White Dove. The water takes the stress off your joints. I have done aquafit but I now just swim lengths. When my sciatica would get bad I found just hanging in the deep end took the pressure off the joints

I agree with the other folks. The pool is awesome for a person with mobility issues. Plus, if 20 min on the recumbent bike is tolerable, that's good. Three times a week minimum they saw. If your breathing, you're burning.

I used the elliptical I didn't think I would like it. I started out just doing ten minutes now I can do a half hour. Don't feel defeated. Make a list of the positive things you have done since surgery. 

Have a look at your local pool for the exercise classes. My local offers aqua Zumba, and if I had a ride there regularly, I would be there every week for it.

Thanks ladies!!!!

HI!  I had to have a discetomy on L5-S1.  I feel so bad for you!  I couldnt even walk without being on a ****load of pain meds.

All I could do was do the back exercises that the PT gave me when I was in your boat. I was unable to do ANYTHING more.  Walking was just a challenge. I would pant like I had ran a marathon.

You are in my prayers.

I'm also a swimmer - in fact, the PA who gives me my cortisone shots highly recommended any water exercise.

I agree with the other folks about exercising in the water.  I had hydrotherapy for sciatica and piriformis syndrome just prior to my surgery, and am now (5 months after surgery) having physio/accupuncture on my knee to get me in shape to walk and exercise!