Re: Now Y'all have me doing it....

[Guest guest]

Anne Langston wrote:

) Anyone have a

> suggestion of a DVD that would work and not strain my heart?

hi anne!

i would think that cardio would be harder on the heart than strength

training.

but, anyway, the majority of strength training videos are low

weight/high rep.... so it is doubtful that you will need anything

higher than a pair of 10 pound dumbells anyway. and often, 3's, 5's

and 8's are commonly used. so pretty much any strength training

video will do. just use your light weights and do what you can,

leaving the rest.

extremely high rep workouts and those that compound the upper and

lower body (like slim series or jari love's workouts) are more

strenuous than those that are more straight-forward. but of

course, you can pause and rest at any time, skip some of the reps,

work at a slower pace, modify any exercise that is not right for you.

i suggest that you check out collagevideo.com, watch some clips and

see what appeals to you (but you dont have to buy there, of course).

when you see something that you like, then ask us about it and we

can give more advice.

i dont know if you are a beginner at weights or not. but something

that seems to have wide appeal is kathy smith's 'secrets of a great

body' (upper and lower body) which is an older workout, but just

came out on dvd recently. also, her 'lift weights to lose weight'

is pretty good for just about anyone. also, dont disregard workouts

that dont use dumbells at all but use body weight only.

:*carolyn.

[Guest guest]

No, cardio is dynamic and strengthens the heart. Strength training with heavier weights is static and can put a strain on the heart, according to my cardiologist. It's that initial lift that's the problem. Heart patients are encouraged to start some form of dynamic exercise as part of recovery, but usually a walking program. I'm a lot more active than most, but that's partially because my heart problems aren't really cardio-vascular, they're neurological (and that's probably much more than you want to know about my health ) Thanks for the suggestions, I've been thinking that low weight high reps are my only option. The cardiologist suggested resistance band exercises too, so maybe I'll search those out. Anne Carolyn wrote: hi anne!i would think that cardio would be harder on the heart than strength training

[Guest guest]

Anne,

The reason he doesn't want you going too heavy is because of holding your breath when you lift. Most people have a natural tendency to hold their breath when they lift heavy. However, if you focus on your breathing and make sure you breath out on the exertion, you should be fine with any weight training workout. I'd still start very light and use weights that are comfortable for you without worrying about what the instructors are using.

Tonya

Now Y'all have me doing it....

Getting the Ross habit, that is! I popped into Ross for a present for my niece and checked out the DVD rack on the way out. Picked up Street Heat Body Jam and Walkaerobics Deluxe Walk. Both cardio, I really don't know what strength DVD would work for me. My cardiologist does not want me lifting more than 20 lbs at the most. I think that's free weights, I've done more than that on the gym machines with no problems. (I am not a model patient, as you can tell.) Anyone have a suggestion of a DVD that would work and not strain my heart?

Anne

[Guest guest]

Ah, thank you! Nice to know the reason! I'll pay attention to my breathing for my next strength workouts, especially when I switch to a heavier weight, which should be as soon as I can buy the heavier weight. Another question, I've been thinking about maybe getting a personal trainer for a few sessions after the New Year, but would a personal trainer be willing to train someone with a pacemaker and a heart condition? My cardio-vascular system is in great shape, the heart muscle is still a little damaged but recovering nicely. My heart problems are neurological in origin. Anne, The reason he doesn't want you going too heavy is because of holding your breath when you lift. Most people have a natural tendency to hold their breath when they lift heavy. However, if you focus on your breathing and make sure you breath out on the exertion, you should be fine with any weight training workout. I'd still start very light and use weights that are comfortable for you without worrying about what the instructors are using. Tonya

[Guest guest]

A good personal trainer would be glad to help you. But they would also want to discuss the exercise with your doctor first, so be prepared that they may ask to speak with your doctor. Wish you were here in NC, cause I'd love to get in a workout with you!

Tonya

Re: Now Y'all have me doing it....

Ah, thank you! Nice to know the reason! I'll pay attention to my breathing for my next strength workouts, especially when I switch to a heavier weight, which should be as soon as I can buy the heavier weight. Another question, I've been thinking about maybe getting a personal trainer for a few sessions after the New Year, but would a personal trainer be willing to train someone with a pacemaker and a heart condition? My cardio-vascular system is in great shape, the heart muscle is still a little damaged but recovering nicely. My heart problems are neurological in origin.

Anne,

The reason he doesn't want you going too heavy is because of holding your breath when you lift. Most people have a natural tendency to hold their breath when they lift heavy. However, if you focus on your breathing and make sure you breath out on the exertion, you should be fine with any weight training workout. I'd still start very light and use weights that are comfortable for you without worrying about what the instructors are using.

Tonya

[Guest guest]

Thanks Tonya! I wish I was close to NC, you've helped me so much over the web I know you'd be fun to work with in person! Well, 24 fitness is having a $55 dollar offer, so I'm gonna go for it!

Anne

Re: Now Y'all have me doing it....

Ah, thank you! Nice to know the reason! I'll pay attention to my breathing for my next strength workouts, especially when I switch to a heavier weight, which should be as soon as I can buy the heavier weight. Another question, I've been thinking about maybe getting a personal trainer for a few sessions after the New Year, but would a personal trainer be willing to train someone with a pacemaker and a heart condition? My cardio-vascular system is in great shape, the heart muscle is still a little damaged but recovering nicely. My heart problems are neurological in origin.

Anne,

The reason he doesn't want you going too heavy is because of holding your breath when you lift. Most people have a natural tendency to hold their breath when they lift heavy. However, if you focus on your breathing and make sure you breath out on the exertion, you should be fine with any weight training workout. I'd still start very light and use weights that are comfortable for you without worrying about what the instructors are using.

Tonya

[Guest guest]

Good for you. 24 Hour Fitness, isn't that the gym you work for ? They don't have them here in NC, but I've heard good things. Let me know if you have any questions about various pieces of equipment and I'll be glad to try and help you get the new stuff down.

Tonya

Re: Now Y'all have me doing it....

Ah, thank you! Nice to know the reason! I'll pay attention to my breathing for my next strength workouts, especially when I switch to a heavier weight, which should be as soon as I can buy the heavier weight. Another question, I've been thinking about maybe getting a personal trainer for a few sessions after the New Year, but would a personal trainer be willing to train someone with a pacemaker and a heart condition? My cardio-vascular system is in great shape, the heart muscle is still a little damaged but recovering nicely. My heart problems are neurological in origin.

Anne,

The reason he doesn't want you going too heavy is because of holding your breath when you lift. Most people have a natural tendency to hold their breath when they lift heavy. However, if you focus on your breathing and make sure you breath out on the exertion, you should be fine with any weight training workout. I'd still start very light and use weights that are comfortable for you without worrying about what the instructors are using.

Tonya