need tips on non strenuous exercise due to limitations

hi, i need to get some serious brain storming going on here...

i cannot do any sort of strenuous exercise other than walking since sept. 23rd.  first i could only slowly walk up and down hospital hallways, then it was the hotel halls and through the rochester walking subway.  

now all my doctor said i can do basically, is walking.  i walk at least and hour and a half in the morning, and 40 minutes at night.  i am going crazy without my hard core workouts.

doctors limits until dec. 23rd:

1. no lifting over ten pounds

2. no jogging/strenuous exercise/bicycling

3. do not bend down at waist or else there will be a lot of pressure in my head and give me a headache

i have started doing some non-bending over yoga poses, and stretching a sit up/crunches and walking (up hills and such), the up hill walking is pushing it, i get very fatigued.

any suggestions?  what haven't i thought of for strength, flexibility, and cardio!!!

the reason for this nonsense is that i had brain surgery on Sept. 23rd.  im feeling better, and this has caused me to get really antsy.  the walks are getting monotonous !

This is your brain we're talking about...my suggestion is to find a way to just deal with it.  A music player, read a book, whatever it takes.

My doctor hasn't put me on any restrictions and walking is all i like to do, however the results aren't as quick.  i try to walk different routes every day and i try to take in all the sites instead of focusing on the walk itself.  this is a good time of year to look at foilage and nature.  i also walk when people are out so i can look at fashion.  this helps somewhat but it can get monotonous.  but keep at it. something is better than nothing.

Just walking helped me to lose 38.5 pounds... Don't underestimate it's effectiveness. Please listen to your Dr.'s , brain surgery is no joke. You may want to consider focusing on simple things during your walks like the clouds, trees, birds... it really is a wonderful world. Be patient, good luck.

Please do exactly what the doctor tells you to do! Your body is still working very hard to recouperate from your surgery, and you don't want to push too hard and risk a setback. If just walking is getting boring, listen to an mp3 player  while you do it - it helps to pass the time. I actually enjoy the time of being  alone with my thoughts, especially at this times of year when it's crisp and cool outside. I admire the scenery, look for animals/birds etc, and let my feet take me where they will.

swimming will help out I think. Your head doesn't go below your knees, your weight is being held by the water, and you can do a lot of laps at a slow pace to please your doctor. You also can just use a kick board for your legs, and then switch it to your arms. You can also do situps in the water.

dont get me wrong, i love walking... but i guess i got into the mindset that it was all i could do, and so i should get bored of it.... if that makes any sense.

thank you all for reminding me of all of those things i love about walking!  i am re-inspired!

i will try the pool out also.  just two weeks ago was when my 'pool restrictions' lifted!

and franchellb: i am so glad you told me about your success from walking, that motivates me even more.

i was just about to curl back up in bed with a cup of tea, but im going on a walk now.

good morning!

I would definately listen to the Doctor as well.  I'm sure that your Brain Surgeon is a smart person, and he/she has really good reasons for telling you not to exercise.  Not to say that something would go badly, but the risk of messing up your brain isn't worth it, IMHO...

loeloelaura,

Your welcome darlin... Please be safe and I wish you much progress/success