what are the best walkers for strengthening leg muscles
i liked the one i got from Costco. It had 4 wheels so moved faster, but the best part was the basket it had underneath the seat. That proved very valuable to me.
I don't use my walker. I found it very cumbersome when opening doors or trying to carry something. It also challenges you if you don't use one. Try a cane
A walker won’t help you get stronger…you need exercise…a walker will do the opposite…
If you want to try one out, check your local Lions Club. We were able to borrow, for free, needed equipment.
I used this walker. Not only were the wheels good and sturdy it folds up nice and compact and is fairly lightweight for lifting up to put in the trunk or get in and out of a vehicle. It's also nice that the basket can either hang in the front or stow under the seat and is easily removed and placed in whichever spot you want. When I shopped with my son I put it on the front to use as a purse holder/mini shopping cart. When I was alone and wanted to browse I'd put the basket under the seat, my purse in the basket and put the seat down which made my purse a little more secure/less easy to be grabbed on a whim, taken from the basket. My son's step grandmother had her purse, which she had placed in the child seat portion of a standard size shopping cart, taken from her at the store while turning to look at an item so having my purse out of sight out of mind when alone always made me feel better and a little more secure those few times I had to go out shopping when my son wasn't able to go with me. You do have to remove the basket and stash it someplace separate when folding the walker up to store it. I liked the width because I tired a lot both times after treatment for the AVM I had. With the wider seat if I needed to sit down quickly wherever I was it was nice to be able to do so without having to fiddle or fuss even if bundled up with winter wear piled on, carrying a purse, shopping bag or other items. Even though I'm somewhat overweight I'm not super hefty or major obese so the walker was much larger and sturdier than I thought I needed given I'm not close to the maximum weight it was rated for. However in retrospect I'm really glad I had this extra wide walker because I found myself in a lot of situations where I was glad I had the extra room and didn't have to be extra careful, mindful when standing and turning, reaching or sitting down essentially backwards quickly. The locks/brakes on this walker are also good. If I got dizzy I could quickly and easily set the wheel brakes and they weren't too difficult to disengage when I was ready to roll again. There are also hand brakes so if you're needing to stop quickly while you're ambulating, feel the walker beginning to pull away/forward, get out from underneath you, you can put a halt and a stop to that nonsense ASAP. There is a newer model of this walker out now but I don't think the upgrade really resulted in all that great an improvement. The wheels on the newer model don't seem as nice. The newer model does fold up a bit flatter but I don't think the meer extra inch, inch and a half at best more compact it is when folded is worth the great big leap, jump in price and I don't like the frame change. If you go with the older style which is still available many places you'll save considerably. Mine is the Invacare Rollator bariatric. It's difficult to tell from photos which one to buy as online all seem about the same and some are really expensive and others are very inexpensive but some of the cheaper models on close inspection often prove to be flimsier or to have cheaper wheels or less dense foam on the safety bar or cheaper hand brakes. On the other hand just because you pay close to three hundred dollar for a walker isn't any guarantee of quality either. There might be some walkers out there with all sorts of bells and whistles I don't know about, that help to justify paying that much, however In all my years so far in real life I have yet to see one. If you go with an older Invacare Rollator, still new but last years model you'll get a good walker spend a lot less and get I think a better quality product. I believe mine is the Invacare 65650R which is available on Amazon for $67.46 USD which includes free shipping http://www.amazon.com/Invacare-65650R-Four-Wheel-Rollator/dp/B001FB... Also even though I'm only 5'4 3/4 : tall this model adjusted down to fit me. I didn't need to go with the green model for short people.
I have a 2 wheeler because that is all my insurance would pay for. My Dr and physical therapist wanted me to have a 4 wheeler with a seat. The smaller wheels catch on things. For exercise I would definitely try a 4 wheel because it can go over uneven ground easier. But I would ask a Professional first because a lot depends on the person using it. Any walker can be dangerous if the wrong type is used and a Dr or physical therapist can determine which type is best for you, adjust it for you, and instruct how to use it in difficult situations (uneven surfaces, narrow doorways, steps, etc.).
Amy Van Patten Ofenbeck said:
A walker won't help you get stronger...you need exercise...a walker will do the opposite...Using a walker to walk for exercise is better than not being able to walk at all. I lose my balance easily and walk sideways causing me to walk into things and people. Without the walker, I walk like a toddler learning to walk, I end up just lunging forward towards the next object that I can grab to keep from falling. The walker gives me the confidence and ability to walk out in public without staggering like a drunken sailor.
I'm not ready for a walker even though I had a stroke with an AVM and surgery; I tore my ACL and shredded my knee later but was dizzy earlier sometimes when I walked for a while. The best solution was a "used" cat from the shelter and a pet stroller! He's a great counterweight in the front (4 year old 20 lb. tuxedo). He enjoys the time out and so do I. No baby care, no scratching; And a great way to enjoy the day without having to stand around. It's fine in stores and a shelf for purchases...if not yet, maybe someday. Honestly, a little time outside with a pet stroller - sure brings some smiles to everyone. Sounds funny but isn't funny good. Just ask for their best used cat at the shelter- or a brother and sister? Open the lid at home and he pops out!
Edwardo said:
Oh my gosh Mary -that is a delightful ideal and the cat counterweight thing made me belly-laugh lol
Im a big guy so would need 3 or 4 cats to balance me out lol Pet stroller is an awesome option for walking support .
mary w said:I'm not ready for a walker even though I had a stroke with an AVM and surgery; I tore my ACL and shredded my knee later but was dizzy earlier sometimes when I walked for a while. The best solution was a "used" cat from the shelter and a pet stroller! He's a great counterweight in the front (4 year old 20 lb. tuxedo). He enjoys the time out and so do I. No baby care, no scratching; And a great way to enjoy the day without having to stand around. It's fine in stores and a shelf for purchases...if not yet, maybe someday. Honestly, a little time outside with a pet stroller - sure brings some smiles to everyone. Sounds funny but isn't funny good. Just ask for their best used cat at the shelter- or a brother and sister? Open the lid at home and he pops out!
mary w said: A case of beer, an old dog or a pile of stuff- Buddy and I are on the road; He sits up and loves the attention; he's 5 and adjusted immediately. Go for it--and y
you have a little exercise for sure with a weighted one!
Edwardo said:Oh my gosh Mary -that is a delightful ideal and the cat counterweight thing made me belly-laugh lol
Im a big guy so would need 3 or 4 cats to balance me out lol Pet stroller is an awesome option for walking support .
mary w said:I'm not ready for a walker even though I had a stroke with an AVM and surgery; I tore my ACL and shredded my knee later but was dizzy earlier sometimes when I walked for a while. The best solution was a "used" cat from the shelter and a pet stroller! He's a great counterweight in the front (4 year old 20 lb. tuxedo). He enjoys the time out and so do I. No baby care, no scratching; And a great way to enjoy the day without having to stand around. It's fine in stores and a shelf for purchases...if not yet, maybe someday. Honestly, a little time outside with a pet stroller - sure brings some smiles to everyone. Sounds funny but isn't funny good. Just ask for their best used cat at the shelter- or a brother and sister? Open the lid at home and he pops out!
I have a terrible opinion of walkers based on my mother ending up using one. Her lower back ached terribly from bending over while using it. I thought I could help her learn to stand straight, but when I tried using it I couldn't figure out a good position to hold it and stand straight and walk. It was a pretty instant back ache.
Here is my cat counterweight - all 17 lbs of him.
116-IMG_1788.JPG (2.62 MB)
Mary said:
Here is my cat counterweight - all 17 lbs of him.
Love it!!!
Edwardo said:
With my wife' s rehab, The Physical Therapists used a platform walker ( wheeled version of a sky hook ) ;) to transition from two people supporting her while attempting to walk . This was used for 2 months till she was stronger - a little each day . Then a wheeled walker with contact support by a person - Problem with the walker was she tended to lean forward and had no balance - She would cause the walker to fly out from under her . The Physical therapist will evaluate what is needed and safe . Turned out that , wife never was able to safely use a walker, They are good as long as the user has balance and control and enough strength to walk....
If you want to try one , I would recommend going to the thrift shops and looking for a used one. They can be had (the two wheel standard variety ) for 5 to 15 dollars us . The 4 wheel basket type with handbrakes and seat are 30 - 60 dollars but harder to find and best used as a portable resting spot of shopping aid (easy to fall if you have balance issues ). I went thrift store shopping and found 4 , bought all and donated the 3 that were not right height . cost was 28 total . We needed a shower seat and transfer bench too - found on craigs list for a fraction of the cost of new retail . .
Thanks for the info about Craig's List. BTW...has anyone seen a shower/tub seat that isn't the bench type with four legs? I'd like to find one that's circular with a swivel seat. I'm concerned the legs may punch holes in the bathtub and don't like that the person is limited to sitting facing one direction.
I used a walker after lower back surgery for two weeks and then a can for two weeks and continued physical therapy. There is a trick to using the appropriate walker for you. Please let a PT recommend and teach you. With my rupture, I remembered to keep my core tight and was soon walking fine albeit slow.
My father in his infinite wisdom wanted one with four wheels. The doctor was quite upset about it. Apparently he lost his muscle tone in his legs because he has to bend so far for this type walker. It only took a month or two to go downhill. It has also messed his hip up and he complains about his back more. But his older brother had one and he wanted one. He also chose to keep another uncles lift chair recliner. Now if he falls, they have to call to get him up. I can’t help anymore since I ruptured.
Please, please see a Physical Therapist before deciding on a walker.
Mary - I love that counterweight! I’m still laughing! Animals are great weight training aides!
It is fun. for me. Buddy adds stability.. cat adds enough.weight so the pet mover doesn't slip away. I bet it's good in the house too; just add weight in the seat....it has breaks too; big difference between a chase behind walker and pushing this one.. an old dog, cats, all get a break in the day or night. They'll jump in by throwing a treat in; then snap the lid and voila! Your just a nutty person walking an animal, shelf on the bottom for stuff and even a cup holder! Gonna add a headlight too! So far most stores--no problem! He's "Tubby" in house and "Buddy" outside! Politically correct!