Whatever new exercises you do, I'd start slowly. My dvt was years ago and still the majority of my exercise comes from walking, hiking and outdoor bike riding. I've done some cardio classes, like zumba and cardio kick boxing but for me any high impact on my DVT leg causes a lot of discomfort and more swelling. But that's me. It may not be like that for everyone. So some of it just comes down to experimenting with different things. I think the most important part of any exercise is enjoying it first and foremost because doing something you don't like is a chore and will make you want to stop doing it.

My first DVT was 9 years ago and my right leg is still an inch larger than the other one. However, other than the first week after diagnosis (where they wanted me to spend as much time as possibly lying on the couch with my leg elevated), I've never had any activity restrictions.

I do hike, bike, and walk, although not on any regular basis and I've not ever had any issues with causing more damage. I do know, however, that I tended to limp up until about two years after my diagnosis, even if my leg wasn't bothering me. I'd just subconsciously try to baby the leg when I was walking on the treadmill or whatever. I had to consciously try to work past that. Even now, so many years later, I sometimes limp when I'm really tired. I don't even notice it but my husband will ask about it sometimes.

You can always make a point to exercise with a compression stocking on to help with the swelling. Also, maybe make a point to elevate the leg after exercise or when sleeping to help with any swelling.

I know some folks really like swimming, because that's great exercise, the water provides its own compression, and the leg doesn't tend to swell as much because it isn't the lowest point in your body.

I definately wear my compression stockings while working out it has helped keep the swelling down for sure. I actually wear them on both legs. I had a VNUS closure done on my non DVT leg due to leaking valves so wearing stocking on that leg helps with the swelling also.

RMB I've tried some high impact exercise with jumping jacks etc and my leg tend to hurt after so I've stopped that for a while.

Tossnturn totally baby my DVT leg and don't even realize it till I notice my hip or or other leg gets sore.

With starting the new work outs I realize how out of shape my legs are I'm 2 days past first workout and my thigh muscles are still very sore.

Here some general information that you may find helpful:

http://www.clotconnect.org/patients/faq-frequently-asked-questions/faq-when-can-i-resume-physical-activities

Seeing that your clot was over a year ago now, and that you doctors has given you the green light to exercise, the suggestions both rmb and TnT have provided are on spot. Basically, listen to your body, if it hurts, slow down or take a break but at this point you should be able to partake in most forms of exercise.

For me, even though my clot(s) were back in 1992 and 1995, my arch nemisis is running. Prior to 1995 I ran daily . After 1995 I found that I had a nice golf ball size lump in my leg whenever I ran. it didn't hurt, and would subside with my leg elevated, but I slowly phased out running and stuck to walking, hiking, and mountain biking.

R/
Tom