exercise machines

I am starting to "think" about getting back to the gym. What do you think about using the rowing machine & the back strenghthening machine ( the one that you lean back on & do sit ups)?

When can you lift PM arm over head?

Hate to sound so stupid, but basically I am.

6 Comments

Hi! Welcome!

by Hot Heart - 2012-05-29 04:05:23

I use all the machines at the gym except the pilates plate and anything which involves me pulling down the weights from a height above my head. All the pulling forward and backwards ones are fine. Enjoy!

Dont lift arm up and stretch for about 6 weeks post op.

not stupid!

by Tracey_E - 2012-05-29 04:05:28

You can raise your arm after 6 weeks.

Don't just think about it, do it! We already have wonky hearts, I've always felt it would be pretty stupid to end up another problem that could have been prevented by taking better care of myself.

I've used both rowers and the back machine, nothing about having a pm will prevent you from using them. Love the rower when I can't run, but find it's not as good a workout. Not a fan of the back thing, I'd rather do sit ups, leg lifts, etc, to strengthen core but that's just my preference. It's all good!

Again, just my preference, but I do better in a class than working out on my own. On my own, I don't push as hard and I stop when I'm bored more often than because I'm tired. With a class, I've got a professional making sure I don't do anything stupid and there's motivation to work a lot harder.

arms

by Tracey_E - 2012-05-29 06:05:06

I do stuff pulling down from overhead, hold barbells overhead, and am doing my best to learn to do pull ups. Some drs say don't do it ever, many say wait longer than 6 weeks but it's ok after that. I've never had a problem, but ask your dr what's right for you.

hi

by SUPERSALE - 2012-05-29 07:05:45

ask your docotor when you back to the gym . i use tread mill and set it on slow walk for 5 minutes i don't want to set it on fast i don't know how it work with pascemaker i work myself up to fast speed and stop when you need it and rest

i not on weight yet ..

exertion vs motion

by Tracey_E - 2012-05-29 09:05:33

There are two parts to healing, your leads growing into place and the heart healing.

If you had your problem for a while before fixing it with the pm, or if you have other heart issues aside from the electrical, then you need to give your heart a chance to heal and ease back into aerobic activity. I was never given restrictions re: exertion. I was out walking the day I was released from the hospital and bought a pair of rollerblades the day I got my stitches out. Ask your dr if you can start walking right away or if you should slowly work back into activity.

The second half of healing is the leads getting enough scar tissue to hold them in place, anywhere from 4 weeks to 3 months, depending on who you ask. This is why we come home with restrictions on arm movement. There are some drs who say anything goes after this healing time. There are others who want us to restrict anything that would involve heavy weight over shoulder level and anything that could possibly stress the leads such as pull ups.

THIS IS JUST ME! I asked my cardio, his PA, and my St Judes rep if I needed to hold back. I have been paced for almost 20 years, have never held back, and have never had a problem.

Supersale, as long as you feel ok, your pm is ok! If you exert and get dizzy or something similar, then it's time to check the settings and see if they need modified.

Watch the arm

by Cobpop - 2012-06-05 10:06:02

Not sure when you had your surgery. I think I was told to take it easy for three months with my left arm. This is very important because you want the leads to make good contact and heal so they become a part of your body. You do not want to dislodge them.

After three months you should be able to do any of the things you want to do. My doc said I shouldn't wrestle or play tackle football. Otherwise I have been pretty active.

I love swimming on my back and using my arms to stay afloat. Not everyone likes the water, but I find the resistance to be great exercise for the upper chest muscles.

Good luck

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The pacer systems are really very reliable. The main problem is the incompetent programming of them. If yours is working well for you, get on with life and enjoy it. You probably are more at risk of problems with a valve job than the pacer.