Fractured cuboid, in cast for 6-8 weeks

[enwar3]

So the sprain I posted about earlier turned into a fractured cuboid and I'm gonna be cast-bound (calf to toe) for about 6-8 weeks and in a walking boot for 3 after that. Now how do I convince my muscles to stick around during this period of inactivity?

Obviously I won't be doing anything involving my left leg. I went to the gym yesterday and used machines for the upper body where I was relatively stable on a seat. I don't think free weights are a good idea since most of them involve lower body (for stability at least) somewhat. So what exactly can I do? Also, I've heard glutamine is good for stopping catabolism - any truth to that?

 

[Kipper]

First things first. Clear the exercise with a doctor. If you are in physical therapy, a physical therapist would probably know best. There is no point in trying to continue going to the gym if you may get hurt/worsen in the process.

Assuming you have the green light, a higher protein intake will help prevent catabolism, but only so much. You are going to lose some weight, no question. Glutamine would be pretty much pointless to stop this. BCAA are sometimes said to help prevent catabolism, but this also has never been proven - specifically, in clinical studies with bedridden patients. I would say that you have the right idea with the circuit machine workout, although anything involving the lower body is out. You might, however, be able to manage certain compound exercises with very light weight (e.g. military press, bench press) and try to maintain your strength as best you can. If your gym has an upper body bike, you might use that for cardio.

Ultimately, I sometimes find that it is best to take time off when you have an injury, or at the very least, scale back your intensity to what is manageable. That way when you get back in the game you are fresh and can jump back in with a higher mental focus - albeit making sure that you don't get hurt in the process. Good luck!