[Turboman]

Had a minor operation on my back this week leaving me with 8 stitches.  Consultant suggested no climbing for 4 weeks!

2 days in and I'm going slightly mad.

Any ideas how to minimise loss of strength/fitness whilst unable to pull or hang?

Hand exercisers any use - Captains of crush or elastic things?  Electro zappy things machines?

[36chambers]

You could always get a rice bucket and follow The Way of the Iron Fist (http://www.dpmclimbing.com/articles/view/way-iron-fist)

I've been doing it sporadically for recovery/antagonistic training. Unfortunately, I haven't been strict enough to notice any direct benefits just yet. But it certainly gets my forearms pumped.


For pinch training you could make one of these (http://i.imgur.com/pX1ywhr.jpg)


Otherwise, it may be a good opportunity to "bomb proof" your shoulders/body, and do lots of antagonistic training to prevent any (possible) future imbalances/injury. (http://ukbouldering.com/board/index.php?topic=21100.0)

This isn't necessarily what you asked for, but it could help past time whilst still being beneficial towards your climbing. 
 

[Three Nine]

I suspect you can do a load of careful deadhangs without bursting your stitches.

[Turboman]

That pinch training link has given me some ideas.  You could train any grip style using that method.  Might lend itself to some sort of repeaters training.

[tomtom]

I suspect you can do a load of careful deadhangs without bursting your stitches.

I'd be super careful with these (maybe OK after a couple of weeks) as when I was trying deadhanging after crocking my back I was amazed at how much you use your core/back even when you're just hanging there...

[Turboman]

Agreed. The thought of deadhanging with stitches in makes me