When to start cardio in the gym

[dennisdj 25]

I was going to gym and doing cardio before my surgery and wonder when is to soon to go back. I am a week post op and very bored sitting around the house and just walking neighborhood. Can I go to the gym and do cardio?

[BigViffer 3,544]

If you mean walking on a treadmill or easy going on an eliptical, you could physically handle it. However, you will need clearance from your surgeon. A week out you probably still have the drain at least and maybe the pain ball. Even if you don't have any of those, the gym is a hotbed of bacteria. You don't want to be around that crap while your incisions are still healing.

[fruitandveggies 456]

I was ordered to walk on the treadmill (or outside) for 20-30 minutes every day, starting on surgery day. I was allowed to start regular gym activity at 4 weeks out, but waited an extra week because I was feeling very weak. Was fine after 5 weeks out.

[AZBlackhawk 122]

Absolutely you can start that. Just drink plenty of Water and don't push yourself too hard. I began pretty rigorous cardio 2 weeks post op and walking before that.

[Diana_in_Philly 1,426]

My team said listen to your body. My surgery was Tuesday. I was on the elliptical bike in the gym on Saturday for an hour pedaling and watching Breaking Bad. (IT was the only time I let myself watch - so I didn't binge and just sit on the sofa.) I had a pre-surgery workout routine I had down. My post-op visit was 9 days after surgery and I was cleared for weights as my body tolerated and I incorporated light lifting - my trainer and I had worked up a plan to include my surgery.

Listen to your body and drink, drink, drink. I found I really liked the sugar free Powerade versus the Gatorade G2 after a workout. But that's why there's chocolate and vanilla. Listen to your body. It will tell you when.

[dennisdj 25]

Ok I have been walking 3 miles everyday so far outside but this heat is something else. I have plenty of energy and feel I can do more but I will wait for my appointment next week with doc and see what he says.

[hmills653 365]

when I recently went for my 6 wk visit my surgeon said he wants me to go to the gym 5 days a week at least 1 hr a day and start strength training.