Kickboxing anyone?

I've had my pacemaker for about 8 months now and I've been doing various bits of aerobics and things but haven't tried my real love - kickboxing! Now, I know they said "no contact sports" but I was just wondering if there's anyone out there who's doing any sort of martial arts? Can anyone recommend somewhere to get a protective vest? I'm based in the UK, female and about 5ft2, so I'm finding it tricky finding one that isn't designed for enormous rugby players! Thanks!

4 Comments

re: kickboxing

by El_guapo - 2007-07-03 03:07:33

hows it going ? Chico or Chica? i would say deffinitly wait till you get protection, and you should stay away from fullcontact, at least i am. i just had my pm, placed 2wks ago, my E.C. told me to lay off the contact sports, for myself, that probably means no more sparring. lot of the guys im used to working out with are heavy hitters so even with a protector, theres that possibility of messing with my pm. i am however going to workout with some forms, drills, maybe some light step sparring with the protector. but make sure you listen to your doctor, im sure he can give you the best advise. good luck.

chest protection

by badger1 - 2007-07-03 10:07:01

http://www.machoproducts.com/

Try the above website. Company based in FL that manufactures and sells this kind of gear. Good luck and let us know if it hurts getting kicked in the chest! I just got my PM on 6-30-07. Jim

kick boxing

by julzteachey - 2007-08-04 11:08:34

I just did a kick boxing class that is more for aerobic exercise yesterday after 3 months since my PM. When they partnered up to kick and spar into the large exercise balls I chose to do the exercises on my own to avoid the contact. I had a scary experience when my 9 year old hugged me goodnight at about 3 - 4 weeks and he fell into me and the pacemaker slipped in the pocket and was sticking out some. It became sore so I called the cardiologist and they had me go in for xrays and a checkup at the office. Found out that the pocket in my skin had torn but the leads were still in place just fine. Took about 4 - 5 days on Advil to get the swelling and discomfort to go away. This experience caused me to stay on the protective side but I have found myself picking the things I am willing to be risky with. I enjoy coaching my sons' hockey teams and there is always the risk of a stick or puck coming at me on the bench. But somehow I choose that over attending a busy bar or concert atmosphere where someone taller could possibly elbow me in the chest. The most important thing is to protect your leads so you don't have to go through the first 6 weeks again. Choose wisely but enjoy your life! Julie

kick boxing

by mamafrey - 2007-08-06 02:08:46

My full contact sport is my 3 and 1 yr old sons. I have had a couple of experiences where they hit me in my pacemaker with there head. They didn't mean to but it absolutly brought me to my knees in pain. I have had mine for 7 months. I had and x-ray and all was fine. I had pain for a couple of days at my site but was fine after that. I am still pretty frightned to do anything like full contact. Just be careful because it is really painful to get hit there.Mandy

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