When I go to the Gym.. I can't weight lift

Have you tried yoga? It is great for strengthening the body and arms (as well as mind and soul haha) but I would recommend that or push ups, just using your body weight. Did you try lighter weights? Maybe 5-8lbs to start? Don't do anything that hurts you though. Good luck!

congrats on your first trip to the gym. i just signed up and went for the first time on friday last week. i love it!!!! thats all i wanted to say. i know nothing about lifting weights yet. but whatever it is YOU can DO IT!!!

I went to the gym for the first time today, (yay!) and I did great with the epillectal machine, I tried to weight life, (the lightest) for my arms but my sternum bone was starting to hurt, (I had heart surgery back in May). I want to be able to work both legs, and arms of course, any ideas what I could do to burn calories using arms that doesn't need weight lifting stradegies? lol Thanks in advanced.

Did you get chance to chat to a trainer? Maybe they could point you in the best direction for you in your circumstances.

If you are having issues due to surgery, I'd suggest going to see a physiotherapist. They can help you tailor a routine to any limitations you may have.

Maybe do some exercises with bands? Don't push it too much! It's better to hold off on some exercises then it would be to hurt yourself!

If you are unable to bear weight, try isometrics (i.e., think of good ole arm circles from gym class -- until your arms are on fire).

Here's a random link Google gave. http://www.isometric-training.com/arm-exercise-isometrics.html

Do you have a follow-up doctor from the surgery? Or try to make an appointment with a physical therapist to help guide you. I messed up my lower leg and was in PT with the expectation that recovery would be 1 year, I can't imagine what it would be for heart surgery.

Otherwise, how does swimming feel? Its a lot of arm movement. I second yoga downward dogs and the like will really make your arms shake and build stregth from all the body weight poses.

You need to listen to your body. A burn is a good thing, but pain is not. Talk to your doctor, maybe even a physical therapist, to come up with ways to get there. If you want to bad enough you can get there, it just might take a little extra work.

I had bowel surgery in July so I understand exactly where you are coming from. Heavy lifting makes my side hurt where I had surgery, so I usually just stick w/ cardio and bodyweight exercises. I wouldn't do pushups or anything involving pushups (i.e. burpees) until your chest is healed. I do alot of squats and lunges for lower body work. Also you can do chest presses, and chest flyes w/ no weights, just use good form. Also a consult w/ a personal trainer would help, because they can show you modifications to certain moves that would alleviate pressure to your surgical area. Thank God for your recovery and that you are back in the gym.

I wouldn't sweat it too much. I sat on my couch for close to 5 years and just got my sorry *** to the gym about a month ago. I have made progress .. I can now do 8 lunges in a row, whereas the first week it was like 1 lunge. So progress can be made .. just take it slow and easy.

Your body will respond in good ways in due time.