Cardio Training After an Injury

Engaging in Cardiovascular Workouts When Recovering from an Injury

As you recuperate from your injury, it may become necessary to take an extended break from certain exercise routines to protect the injured body part. In situations such as this, substitute exercises that you CAN perform for those that you were accustomed to performing prior to getting hurt.

According to fitness studies, you can maintain your current level of cardio fitness by exercising at 70 percent of your maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max) as little as once per week.

If you are suffering an injury to your knee, ankle, or leg, performing high-impact workouts are generally discouraged. According to the Stretching Institutes's, The Stretching & Sports Injury Report, swimming, rowing, or bicycling might be better alternatives to walking or running.

Injured athletes who are in considerable pain often find that swimming or deep water exercises work best. Swimming, rowing, and bicycling all provide decent cardio workouts minus the high-impact created on hard surfaces.