Keeping 'bike fitness' off the bike.

[Joey Ramone]

I've got a three week work trip coming up this week. I'll be in the middle nowhere with little access to any fitness equipment apart from a couple of exercise mats in a basement.

The problem is this. I suffer from bursitis in my left heel, which makes running pretty much impossible, and which makes anything requiring explosive movements, or jumping, difficult as well. What I'm looking for is ideas as to the sorts of exercises that will help me maintain cycling-type stamina, but which can be done with zero fitness equipment and one good foot.

I hope you can help, 'cos I'm stumped.

[JMDWestley]

I always find squats and lunges tiring, would it be weird going up and down stairs.
Where your going can't hire a bicycle or a pedal boat?

[Gizmoish]

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Aidapt-VP159-Seated-Pedal-... ?

[Joey Ramone]

JMDWestley said:

I always find squats and lunges tiring, would it be weird going up and down stairs.
Where your going can't hire a bicycle or a pedal boat?

Somewhere in the Balkans. No cycle hire shops, and the roads are too dangerous anyway.

[Joey Ramone]

Gizmoish said:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Aidapt-VP159-Seated-Pedal-... ?

How bizarre. Never seen one of those before.

Not sure it's up to the job in a biomechanical/fitness sense. Good suggestion though.

[Disco You]

I take it that swimming is out of the question?

[Joey Ramone]

Disco You said:

I take it that swimming is out of the question?

Yep. Miles away from the coast and no such thing as a swimming pool in the area. All pretty undeveloped.

Might try and order some resistance bands.

[Kell]

There are loads of bodyweight exercises you could do on the mats, but without being able to run, use a cross trainer, swim or row, you're going to find it hard to get any cardio in.

I take it even skipping is out? Even if it's done on your toes? It's an amazing workout with a leather rope.

[S10GTA]

Skipping seems like the best option to me, like this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s28vNyjOlbc

[dangerousB]

Single leg squats would be my choice in your position

[Joey Ramone]

Going to try shadow boxing and squats, I think. Anything to keep the heart rate up. Even so, I'm dreading getting back on the rollers after a three week break.

And true to form, the Achilles tendonits has flared up again. Can barely walk. Hopefully it will have died down by the time I arrive there on Friday.