scared of the gym

Melwillbehealthy

I used to love working out and must get back to it. I have a lot of weight to lose. Irecently was diagnosed with high blood pressure and am on medication for it. I want to start working out and get off the medication. I know the blood pressure is because I've gained a lot of weight this last year. My issue is, I'm scared to go to the gym now. The doctor said it's alright, but seemed a little vague about it. When I go to the gym, I give it my all. Is anyone else working out with high blood pressure? Is it safe? This is new for me.

Lea_8D

You don't say how high your BP is (I don't know if there are any issues working out with very high BP). But generally, exercise is good for lowering it, so if your doctor has OK'd it, go for it! Maybe focus on cardio at first... I have the same goal of getting off BP meds and by exercising a lot it has improved to where I have been able to lower my dose to half of what was needed before (at that point I had only lost about 7 pounds). I do cardio 5 days/wk and strength training 2x/week. I'm hoping that when I get to my goal weight (= lower my body fat % enough), I will be able to quit taking BP meds.

edit: Forgot to mention, watch sodium intake/minimize processed foods. That has a big effect too.

DavPul

I'd rely on my doctor's advice more than anything I got from strangers on an Internet forum. If you think he was vague, call him and ask him directly if it's ok.

geekyjock76

Call your doctor and have him/her prescribe the recommended volume of exercise if doing strength training. Ideally, you want to be careful not to strain too much with hypertension when exercising.

Melwillbehealthy

My doctor said just take it slow at first while exercising. I guess that's good advice. She said I could do eliptical, just not running. I want to do weight training as well. Thanks for your responses. It's nice to know other people do work out with high blood pressure.

dnunny

Call the dr. back up and ask. I had to do that. I also asked the orthopedic dr. about weight machines. Does your gym have a pool? If so, check out the work out schedule. The one I go to (a YMCA) has several water fitness classes, and some for older adults. I really enjoy the classes. I am also on high blood pressure meds. If they have a pool, water jogging/walking/running is also good. Youtube has several videos that show exercises you can do.

Melwillbehealthy

thanks to all for answering this. First of all, I've been going to the gym for a couple of days and definitely feel better already. I've been doing cardio and weights and there's no problem. Also, I never knew salt had anything to do with high bp as I never cared about my bp before but I am going to watch my salt intake.. Also, there is a lovely swimming pool. I'm just a little embarrased to use it. I feel pretty hopeful now, that I can get this thing under control and get rid of the medication.

palmerig88

You may or may not be salt sensitive. Mine is hereditary but I was able to get it back down to normal levels with the weight loss. The first 10 pounds didn't do the trick. The next 20 with exercise did. Coffee and cigarettes can also increase blood pressure for a short time...like an hour. I watch my salt and try to do well with it but true salt sensitivity is something you would have to test by going low salt alone and testing your bp throughout. I also look at the exercise as a good way to sweat some of the salt out good luck!