Need To Build Upper-Body Strength!

I have a couple of months to go (surgery sched. for 9/20) and I'm looking for some good ways to build my upper-body strength. I anticipate needing this post-op, especially since I'm overweight, because I'll need help getting in and out of bed (or in and out of the couch, which is probably more accurate).

I've started doing some "girl push-ups" (the kind where you start on your knees) -- any other ideas out there? Anyone else in the same boat?

I also got up the nerve to write to my doctors today with detailed questions about my situation. (I'm going to a VERY famous, large clinic in southern Minnesota.....guess which one.....so I have no idea who to call with my little queries!) I was very polite, but also very clear that I wanted as much info as I could get. I'm not mad at anyone, because they've been great so far. But I've talked to so many different Drs. that I have no idea who to ask when I have a question.

I would also recommend Pilates. These are the exercises that build up the core strength, the core being all the muscles in your torso. I imagine that what we all really will need most post op are strong muscles in this area. I found Pilates very beneficial - for general mobility, posture and in my case to alleviate the chronic (not gyn related) back pain. Pilates are being taught in many gyms and there are also exercise tapes. Good luck, Sophie

Hi --

I'm a big believer in using weights to build upper body strength. You could start out with some light hand weights and gradually increase the weight as you get stronger. I've been going to gyms for years, and have seen the most improvement in my muscle tone in the last 3 years since I started than in all the previous years of step-aerobics and whatever.

I also like pilates and yoga, and I still do an occaisonal step-aerobic class, and I use the treadmill and the elliptical machine, but for upper body strength, nothing beats weights, in my opinion.

I know there are lots of exercise videos out there that are made to be used with hand weights........that might be a way to start. And, you might want to take a look at this link, to get some ideas:

http://www.hysteritaville.com/fitness/resist.php

and there are some articles in the resources forum that you might want to look at:


https://www.hystersisters.com/vb2/lin...=browse&cid=10


Good luck to you!

Ann
TAhH/BSO 1/5/01

Thanks! I will take those suggestions and run with them.

Good for you for getting prepared! You most definitely will be using those arms and shoulders to get around after surgery, especially if you have it done abdominally. The surgery really weakens your abs, especially the lower ones, and you won't be able to use them much at first to get up and down from a reclining position. I think the push-ups are a great idea, and hand-weights, too. Try some resistance training, too, with stretchy bands. Practice getting out of bed or off of the sofa by rolling onto your side, easing your feet to the floor, and then pushing yourself to a sitting position with your arms. Good luck!