Pre-op fitness motivation

KingMambo26

To cut a long story short, an MRI determined I have ruptured my ACL and my doctor has recommended surgery. I've been given an exercise routine in order to strenghten the muscles prior to the operation which I have to say, is killing me physically.

Normally, I don't have any problems with motivation going to the gym or other type of exercise, I just got auto-pilot and do it. This time is different though. I can see the reason, I can see the need for it and the ultimate benefits but... when I get to that 5th or 6th set of leg exercises I really feel like hitting the showers and going home.

How do you cope with motivation issues? Any tips or advice you can share? Any experiences form other members?

connollys

i feel your pain, went through those same exercises before my own ACL surgery a few months ago. I think the problem is the repetition, lot of the exercises very similar. All I can say is keep at them anyway. How long til your surgery? The more you build up these muscles the easier it'll be after the surgery, eventhough id been warned I was amazed at how weak my quad muscles got after the surgery, especially my VMO which just dissappeared altogether.

Will Heffernan

KingMambo26 wrote: »

To cut a long story short, an MRI determined I have ruptured my ACL and my doctor has recommended surgery. I've been given an exercise routine in order to strenghten the muscles prior to the operation which I have to say, is killing me physically.

Normally, I don't have any problems with motivation going to the gym or other type of exercise, I just got auto-pilot and do it. This time is different though. I can see the reason, I can see the need for it and the ultimate benefits but... when I get to that 5th or 6th set of leg exercises I really feel like hitting the showers and going home.

How do you cope with motivation issues? Any tips or advice you can share? Any experiences form other members?

Have made a few posts on this....will dig them out...we've had a number of athletes compete and play this year who've had similar injuries who will not even have their surgery till after their season is finished. So firstly...don't be too down. If you do the right things and do it the right way there's no reason why you can't hop, skip and jump into surgery and have a quick and full recovery.

I'm not great on working the boards.ie machinery but I know Barry is and maybe he can find the post that I am referring to and get you on your way.

TommyKnocker

Hi OP

I think that this is the post that Will was referring to.


Best Regards,

M

KingMambo26

connollys wrote: »

i feel your pain, went through those same exercises before my own ACL surgery a few months ago. I think the problem is the repetition, lot of the exercises very similar. All I can say is keep at them anyway. How long til your surgery? The more you build up these muscles the easier it'll be after the surgery, eventhough id been warned I was amazed at how weak my quad muscles got after the surgery, especially my VMO which just dissappeared altogether.

Don't have a date yet as I still have to talk to the surgeon (can't remember his name but he's at the Sport Clinic in Santry), but you've hit the nail right on the head: the seemenlgy endless repetition of the same exercises day in and day out. How are you feeling nowadays? How much workout is involved in the rehab?

KingMambo26

Will Heffernan wrote: »

Have made a few posts on this....will dig them out...we've had a number of athletes compete and play this year who've had similar injuries who will not even have their surgery till after their season is finished. So firstly...don't be too down. If you do the right things and do it the right way there's no reason why you can't hop, skip and jump into surgery and have a quick and full recovery.

I'm not great on working the boards.ie machinery but I know Barry is and maybe he can find the post that I am referring to and get you on your way.

Thanks Will. I'll have a look at the thread you're talking about (thanks B-builder). I'm not looking to do any sport at competitive level. I'm 39 and I've spent all my life doing contact sports so I think it's time to let go. However, I want to get back to a normal life where I can run with my sons and have a game of footie without fearing my knee is going to go at any time. That, and get back to exercise in the gym and the bike.