Martial arts training

Hi All

I have had a two lead PM for two years and am 100% paced.

During my years of undiagnosed AV blockage and subsequent years of worring about walking around on life support I have managed to put on an extra 30 pounds or so.

It seems like it's time to get back to working out. I have taken an interest in Chen Style Taijiquan (Shaolin Kung Fu lite). I recently spoke to a local coach about training. We both agreed that we could structure workouts to avoid hits to the chest, but he questioned my ability to take the shock of very quick moves, falling, and striking objects. He is also concerned about weapons training where I would be swinging long heavy staffs, spears, and swords. He is worried about the upper body stresses from both the swinging torque and the recoil of striking objects.

Does anybody have any experience with practicing these aspects of the martial arts?

Thanks

7 Comments

I agree

by ShadowWeaver - 2009-07-09 07:07:33

I have not done those things since I have had my PM, but I agree that they shock may be too much on the PM. I am concerned about it pulling the lead wires, breaking them, etc. Please let me know if you find anything else out.

Martial Arts

by Smart Redd - 2009-07-09 08:07:27

I can't say for sure, but since I've been on implant sites this is what I've learned.

There are others on this site - and another - who have continued their martial arts classes. Since you've had the PM for two years, you shouldn't have to worry about pulling out your wires or doing anything physical that you were able to do before the implant.

Evidently, there are protective vests that keep the pm safe during MA practice. You could try Google for them.

Whatever you decide, run it past your cardiologist first. Every situation is different even though we share our bionic future. Good luck!

Red

getting hit...

by turboz24 - 2009-07-09 10:07:15

As some people mentioned, I'd be more worried about getting hit. I've been bumped in the "metal boob" a couple of times and it's extremely painful.

I lift pretty heavy, but have discovered that yes it does cause additional discomfort with my implant. I lift to stay in shape, since "looking better" doesn't work when you have a cell phone sized hump on your chest .....

Blows are inevitable

by bobad - 2009-07-09 10:07:17


If you take up MA, you will eventually get hit in the uh, unit. No doubt it will happen, just a matter of when and whether it will cause damage.

Of all the healthy activities to choose from, why does everyone want to take up contact sports?

Why not take up weight lifting? Slightly increased muscle mass combined with a moderate diet can really take off the weight. It also does wonders for your energy, makes you look and feel better, and is very gentle on your pacemaker. You can always jog or bike ride to get a little cardio. I just lost 25 LBS in 2 months that way, without extra cardio. I miss the cheesecake and pie, but don't miss the jelly belly. :)

risks

by Tracey_E - 2009-07-09 10:07:43

After the first year, the odds of dislodging your leads by working out are miniscule and most of us have no restrictions on upper body movement. The risk is an impact to the device more so than damaging the leads, so workouts are usually fine but sparring is not recommended. There is a company that makes guards that some members wear and they continue to spar. You probably would not hurt your device even if you took a direct hit to it while sparring, but it would HURT.

Never had a problem

by Brosef - 2009-07-10 01:07:41

I've taken martial arts classes for years after having my pacer implanted. Never once did I have a problem dislodging the lead or anything of that type. That said, I've always avoided blows to the chest, or blows of any type. As long as you don't engage in any sparring you should be alright. Granted, my pacer is implanted under my pectoral muscle so perhaps I have a slightly larger buffer for impact. But any kind of jarring from throwing strikes, weapons training, or absorbing impact via pads or kicking shields has never resulted in any ramifications to my leads. Avoid sparring and you're golden.

An alternative to Chen style?

by lamoureternelle - 2009-08-30 12:08:27

Well it's been a while since the last post on this subject, but just curious how your MA program is going if it indeed took off. Or did you look into the Yang style Taijiquan, which more "traditional", fluid, graceful, and emphasizes on control and meditation?

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