I am a member of a crossfit gym. I spoke to my physio and she was ok with me going back, as long as I did not load weights. My coaches are absolute stars and made sure I have not overdone it or put myself at any risk.
I started by doing mainly leg work and the exercises given To me post surgery. If there was a run involved,I would walk it.
Instead of using the bar, I used a PVC pipe. This allowed me to keep moving without straining.
Once movement was more fluid, I progressed to the training bar which weighs about 5kg or two barbells weighing 2kg each.
I have not managed pull ups or and thing like that, but my coach rigged up a pull down bar using bands and a pipe. This allowed me to do the movements on my knees withought putting strain on my wounds. For toes to bar movement or knee raises, I would lay on my back and just raise and lower my legs. Great for the abs !!
Last week, I used the rowing machine for the first time and today i managed the full hour training, heavily scaled to my ability.
I only did about 20 mins to begin with, but being in the gym environment with my training partners helped me no end. I felt good being able to encourage them to continue after I had had enough and it made me feel normal again. I have not pushed myself to the limit, just taken it very easy to keep mobile and maintain the movement in my arm.
Listen to your body and check with your physio. I have not overdone it or strained myself, just enjoyed being back in the fold of my gym community. Being able to do this has had such a positive effect on my mental health and wellbeing.
Take care, I am here if you red anything more xxx
