Safe forms of high intensity exercise for someone with poor coordination/balance?

[Anonymous]

I've made great progress so far doing intensity exercises, but I've hit my plateau now which means I have to dial up the intensity to see continued progress. I'm looking more for cardio than resistance training here.

Here's my problem. I have extremely poor balance/coordination due to a neurological disorder called dyspraxia which means I have very poor motor control. I can't do anything that involves coordinated movements because I can't really control where my arms and legs go when I move them at faster paces. I also can't run unless it's in a straight line and on a perfectly level surface. I can jump rope but only basic up-and-down pogo jumping, no tricks or step-jumping. Nothing that requires me to balance on one leg either.

Any suggestions?

[WoIIie]

Sitck to machines with rails you can hold onto. Stairmasters, bikes, and ellipticals are probably your best bet as far as keeping it safe. I have no idea how people have the patience for them, but it clearly works for many people.

[kheserthorpe]

You can get massive intensity on rowers/stairclimbers/bikes/elliptical if you crank up the resistance and go flat out.

[NerdInDenial]

Have you tried the stationary bike? You can do sprint work outs. run with light weights in your hands.

[Asker]

Stationary bike is intense enough?

[NerdInDenial]

I mean the bikes that are digital and have different workout programs. If you don't have that, you can do an intense work out on a stationary bike by changing the gears and standing up while you pedal.

[candlewax]

Yeah, this could be intense enough if you change the resistance. Resistance on the bikes can get pretty intense.

[candlewax]

Have you considered swimming? I know it involves some coordination, but kicking with a paddle board maybe? This comes to mind because the movements when swimming aren't necessarily fast (compared to running).

[erekmax]

Get a copy of the Bas Rutten workout. Go straight to the All around fighting and All around workout cd's.

link

[Asker]

No offense but a martial arts based workout really is the exact opposite of what I need. I would no doubt injure myself attempting that.

[erekmax]

If you stick to the last disc, the All-around workout cd. It's mainly for cardio and conditioning. No offense taken :)

[Asker]

It doesn't require any coordinated footwork or hand movements?

[candlewax]

I think that's going to a be a bit much for someone with coordination issues. It sounds like it moves a little too fast for someone with coordination issues. :/

[Brandan_Cromartie]

A treadmill. If you can run in a straight line you can do a treadmill. Shouldn't you be in PT anyway? Or rather don't you qualify for PT?

[Anonymous]

try exercise bikes