9 replies to this topic

[Kodie]

Just like the title reads, what are some exercises that will help a C5-6 quad achieve more independence. More specifically things such as driving, transferring, etc.

I quit going to PT (my biggest regret) about 1 year post injury and have been wasting away in the independent department since then. I've recently started working out every other day and am getting stronger but, I don't feel like I'm getting any closer to my goals (driving without high tech equipment, transferring).

Can anyone recommend specific exercises I should be doing?

I weigh around 280-290 so I know transferring independently is out of the question until I drop a few pounds so weight loss is at the top of my list. I'm open to all suggestions so throw them my way!

[Tetracyclone]

Kodie,
Fabulous to see you feeling motivated. By God, you can get there, but must pace yourself.

Since you like to mess around on the computer i suggest you begin searching youtube for ideas. There are lots of PT videos there of many levels for complete quads. Each day's search is likely to find you one exercise you can adapt for yourself.

I do something similar by watching people at my gym. I see how they use a machine , and figure out which one's I can use. 4 or 5 Exercises will take you 2 months to integrate into your life- well, maybe you are much quicker than I. Diet is a struggle to change and fellowship is helpful. I suggest a go at Overeaters Anonymous. They are everywhere.

[greybeard]

Hi Kodie.

Ref the weight loss, I strongly recommend having a look at the Atkins diet. I have lost 45 pounds since 3rd December by sticking rigidly to it. That has meant no bread, no spuds, no pasta, nothing with sugar in it (including most fruit), no milk, no root vegetables, no corn or breakfast cereals. Sounds horrible doesn't it, but you soon get used to eating only protein foods like eggs, meat, fish and most cheeses, and getting essential but very reduced carbohydrate intake just from salad veg.

I can honestly say I have not felt hungry once, and I now feel in better health than I have for years. Lots of info about it online to get you started. I doubt I shall ever go back to eating the amounts of starchy food that I used to eat. After 3 months, most of them just don't have any appeal for me any more. Good luck whatever you try.

[Kodie]

Hey guys! Thanks for the replies! Sorry it's taken so long to reply back. I've been busy with the chiropractor and urologist (YAY!..not).

Greybeard, I researched the Atkins diet and have somewhat started it (I'm taking baby steps ). It seems I'm having trouble with spud withdrawals but it's something I can get used to. Thanks!

Tetra, I've also been searching Youtube for suggestions and have found quite a few. I have a decent workout routine already but need to switch it up because I feel as if it isn't really helping me in the areas of interest.

Anyways, thanks again guys for the replies. They have been helpful. I'm still open for more opinions though if anyone has some!

[Tetracyclone]

Kodie, on 19 February 2012 - 05:52 AM, said:

Hey guys! Thanks for the replies!
It seems I'm having trouble I have a decent workout routine already but need to switch it up because I feel as if it isn't really helping me in the areas of interest.

Anyways, thanks again guys for the replies. They have been helpful. I'm still open for more opinions though if anyone has some!

I, too, have found i can get stuck in an exercise routine that is not getting me forward. If things are not improving I probably need to switch exercises.

[Fazer386]

Lat pulls, military press, rows, rickshaw & dumbbells(curls & shoulders) - Arm bike does wonders for me. As for diet, I go simple and avoid drive-thru type food.

[paraplegicgroup]

main walking ,standing ,bridging are the most banifited exisersize , and other extertion, eduction, nee ling,

paraplgic it self is chalanging person , he/she has to fight with him self for what he/she lost. work hard only focus on recovery & self confidance that i will achive the lost. ppositive thought is most power fill vepon for atteck & recover

[Baller95]

Any one know the best way to lose weight fast? I'm 190 pounds 6 feet tall and 16 years old. My quad belly is kinda big and my thighs and hips have got a bit of fat too. I work out lot, 5 days a week and I push my self around most of the time. It's my diet that needs mprovent. Being a teen I enjoy my junk food but I gotta start changing it up before I can't transfer myself anymore and do other stuff because of too much weight.

[Tetracyclone]

Make your life so interesting you hardly have time to eat.

[Tony Davenport]

tricep shoulder and core strength are the primary culprits in transfering. Driving biceps come into play as well. Triceps- doing extentions are different angles with progressing weight. ill make some short videos showing you. inbox me your email and i ll send them. lets get you going!

weight loss. 1 million approaches. give your body what it needs to know it can let go of fat. also will take aerobic exercise. now...vibration has some "connoations" to helpingfat cells break free when you contract your muscles on it exercising. Im still doing my own -unscientific study on how much that is true. BUT the vibration trainer will double your strength in less time than traditional reps of weight lifting. i have other videos on that too!