Exercise options for SPD - rowing machine, xbox, gym

I'm just thinking out loud and would appreciate help from ladies who have or have had SPD.

I'm nearly 6 months since birth and still have SPD. I am now not expecting it to get better before we try again so just have to live with it. I want to lose weight and improve my fitness. I can do things so long as my hips/knees/ankles are in alignment, so no scissoring legs or widening the legs apart. I have been able to do some things on the fitball using a DVD.

I need cardio and prefer interval training as it doesn't take as long. Two physios have ruled out Wii Fit. They've both said xbox is a better option but even then there may be limits to what I can do. I'm assuming xbox kinnect is thing I need to look at. It's quite an expensive option so would appreciate feedback.

I can use a rowing machine as it keeps everthing aligned. I can either buy one for about $500-1000 or rent one for about $50 a month, though the rental version doesn't look very good.

Or I can use the gym at the physio for $55 a month, though that would only be to use the rowing machine and maybe some weights. Can't use cross trainer, treadmill or bike. (also have to walk up stairs to get to it which I can do now but not sure about if I get pg again)

If we get the xbox or rowing machine, DH can use it too. If I get the gym membership I can get advice on what to do. It's not rocket science though, given how limited i am, so I'm thinking that's not much of a bonus.

I am still umming and aahing about swimming. I'd feel less self-conscious doing something at home.

What do you think?
how realistic is using a rowing machine or xbox if we get pregnant again?

TIA

tashy - that completely sucks that the SPD is sticking around. Mine did too first time around. Are you icing at all? That should help.

as far as exercise goes - good question. Can you swim with a floatie between your legs so you're just using your arms? That will give you a workout without the scissor action.

Have you thought about hydrotherapy? The water is warm so it keeps the muscles relaxed and the exercises can be customized to what you can and can't do.

Why not the Wii?? I still have pelvic pain / SPD as well and some of the EA Sports stuff is fine. I primarily do the boxing. I have done the Wii fit too but I am just more selective. There is no major difference that I am aware of between the xbox and the Wii except the way it picks up movement.

Fiona good idea with the floatie though i might look like a dill. But will definately get cardio workout.

BR - hydro is good but it's about $25 per session. I'm already doing clinical pilates 2 x a week and it's getting exxy

Michelle - I think it had something to do with xbox giving you more range of movement. It's good to read you're still able to use the wii with spd though. I think we need to see a demo of them both to decide.

*sigh* I'm going to sell my bike. I bought it before getting pg with Leo. I think I've used it all of 3 times. It's just sitting in the garage with flat tyres gathering dust. So sad, it's such a cool girly bike too. Hopefully it will cover some of the cost of the xbox or rower.

tashy - because I moved to Woodend and getting to the physio is pretty much an all-day round trip, my physio gave me a program I can do on a fitball using a special stretchy thing that you can tie round a door handle. Sounds stupid I know and I haven't tried it yet because my SPD has actually been very manageable but could you maybe ask your physio about that to save you some dollars? Happy to PM you my physio's details too if you like.

Thanks fiona. Is it cardio? Cos I'm fine with other stuff. I have a stretchy thing somewhere too.

The thing is Tash, if you jump into cardio before the rest of you is ready, you'll do more damage. So take your time.

I second the swimming.

Depending on where you are I can recommend a great pt who will help you get that craved cardio safely. He is also a fully accredited boxing instructor.

MG

tashy - the exercises on the fitball with the stretchy thing are for the pelvis so instead of doing clinical pilates as my physio knows it's too hard to get into Melbourne to see her. Might save you some cash if you can do that instead of seeing the physio twice a week.

I found pilates was ok for my SPD. There were a few things I couldn't do, but I got the after baby one & it varies the exercises for spd sufferers.
The floor workouts aren't much for cardio, but there are others that are.
The mum's one I got from The Warehouse/Crazy Clarks & might be good along with what ever else you do.

I agree boxing on wii sports is good. I had a go when pg with DD3 & decided I better steer clear til I was ready to go into labour, lol. Really good upper body workout.

ETA - with the floatie between your legs for swimming, we used to do that at training. Ask at your pool, they might have one there you can borrow.