No strength, can't do cardio, and I need to lose and get strong! Begging for answers!
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lulz.Lasmartchika wrote: »Lasmartchika wrote: »Instead of picking up weights and killing your back more like people are suggesting, talk to your doctor and ask if you can do yoga or Pilates. After all, these exercises still strengthen your body and they're done on the floor. And continue walking slowly, that helps too. But don't forget to talk with your doctor.
we arent telling her to go to a powerlifting competition, most dumbbells weigh less than your purse.
you can also get a feel over time as far as who is injured and who is clinging to an old injury as an excuse.
If your doctor says you can lift your purse, then you can lift a dumbbell.
When he tells you to stop carrying around a purse, then you should probably also stay in bed.
Not everybody needs to lift. Especially with a bad back. Maybe cuz you're fit already (I'm assuming cuz of your picture), and cuz you've never experienced a bad back, you can't understand that. Even a purse can make your back hurt, and I personally know that. Not everybody is as strong as you.
I had a bad car accident, couldn't walk for three months, bad back injuries.
Weight lifting was used to rehab my back. Lifting will strengthen an injured back, and protect it from becoming weak, frail, and poor.
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Can you carry your purse now too?
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I can't plank at all. Can you do strength exercises without straining your heart? I am really out of shape so I do exercises at home just using my body weight. I picked a couple from nerdfitness that I knew how to do. Once you get stronger you can add weights and change up the exercises.0
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Everyone works within their own limitations. Lots of fit people struggle with the idea of staying within their physical limits and only doing things that are safe for them to do. You're definitely not the only person with these questions. You do need to see your doctor to find out what your limitations are and what is safe for you to do right now. Over-doing it and hurting yourself is NEVER a good idea. You could be risking your health in a very real way if you do something that isn't safe for you to do.
Stop thinking in terms of what is "normal" or what you "should" be able to do. You can do what you can do, and there are people who start at a lower level than you. Browse through the Success Stories forum and take note of the people who just started out by walking slowly for very small amounts of time. That may or may not be okay for you to do, but if your doctor says it is, start there.0 -
As others have said.
Please talk to your cardiologist and get a thorough run-down of any limitations due to your cardiac issue. If you're cleared for some exercise, get him/her to refer you to a Physical Therapist who can put together an exercise plan.0 -
Sounds like a doctor is your best choice right now. Without that, I wouldn't do more than walk at a normal pace and watch what you eat.0
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Lasmartchika wrote: »Lasmartchika wrote: »Instead of picking up weights and killing your back more like people are suggesting, talk to your doctor and ask if you can do yoga or Pilates. After all, these exercises still strengthen your body and they're done on the floor. And continue walking slowly, that helps too. But don't forget to talk with your doctor.
we arent telling her to go to a powerlifting competition, most dumbbells weigh less than your purse.
you can also get a feel over time as far as who is injured and who is clinging to an old injury as an excuse.
If your doctor says you can lift your purse, then you can lift a dumbbell.
When he tells you to stop carrying around a purse, then you should probably also stay in bed.
Not everybody needs to lift. Especially with a bad back. Maybe cuz you're fit already (I'm assuming cuz of your picture), and cuz you've never experienced a bad back, you can't understand that. Even a purse can make your back hurt, and I personally know that. Not everybody is as strong as you.
I spent 4 years in physical therapy learning how to walk again after being crushed by a semi and I still have major issues getting from point A to point B.
Im not spouting off at the face telling people to hurt themselves. Im also not fit. But thanks for the profiling. In your opinion, Im in shape, so I must not have a clue what Im talking about.
I think that sometimes the best way to overcome issues with your body is to make it stronger and YES i am saying all of this from my experience.
lifting weights helped me realign so many problem areas and increase my strength enough to be balanced and normalize how I walk, be able to sleep through the night and stand up straight.
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expletive. gesture.-4
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TavistockToad wrote: »Strength isn't a blessing bestowed by magic. Strength is built. And everyone starts from where they're at when they decide to start!
With your doctor's advice, select some strength-building exercises or a program, and get at it. Some months from now you'll no longer be able to say that your strength is nothing or that you're ashamed because of it.
all of this.
Well, unless you're a nord.
A what?0 -
If your heart rate is that high on a brisk walk, you really need to talk to your doc. There are drugs available to keep your HR in line and then maybe you can start thinking about other stuff after that.0
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TavistockToad wrote: »TavistockToad wrote: »Strength isn't a blessing bestowed by magic. Strength is built. And everyone starts from where they're at when they decide to start!
With your doctor's advice, select some strength-building exercises or a program, and get at it. Some months from now you'll no longer be able to say that your strength is nothing or that you're ashamed because of it.
all of this.
Well, unless you're a nord.
A what?
One of the northern peoples! A nord! Norse! Viking blood in them veins! lol. (It's a joke from another thread.)0 -
OP - please ignore the posters telling you that your issues must be just like theirs and therefore your recovery and your abilities during and after recovery are just like theirs as well. That's untrue and I'm sorry that you're getting poorly-thought-out and unsafe advice here. Please don't go lift a bunch of weights just because some stranger on the internet told you to! Being on a fitness site does not make one a fitness expert.
DEFINITELY talk to your doctor. Ask them to give you safe limits, then go ahead and exercise within those limits. Feel free to come back and post the same question here *with* those limits laid out for people to respond to.
The nice thing about being very weak (I also was in a bad accident that hurt my back so I've been at a point of serious muscle deterioration) is that you'll get to feel the improvements very quickly!0 -
performfully wrote: »Let me clarify. I can do cardio. Light cardio. I'm battling some health issues that have me seeing a cardiologist and the aspects of it put cardio out of the question. Example, brisk walk puts my HR in the 170s and 30 second run hits 210.
Next, my strength is nothing. I know. I am ashamed. I am so ashamed of what I've done to my body. After battling eating disorders my entire life, then gaining 70lbs on bed rest while pregnant, AND being lazy/scared/intimidated about ever improving in the last year after my daughter was born, I am a mess. Example, I can't hold a plank position 30 seconds, my legs burn from walking at a pace that is normal to most, and my back is extremely weak and painful. (Have I mentioned I am only 21?)
BG: I have already lost nearly 20 lbs (technically 30 but I started MFP after losing 10) by eating healthy + cardio. I couldn't take the pain of cardio anymore, and when I found out why, I was absolutely crushed. It has thrown me off a lot, and I stopped all efforts for 2 months. I was/am so discouraged. I also have some personal issues going on right now that have/had my motivation at 0. I have about 30 more to lose as my first goal (natural weight), and to go from there.
Does anyone have exercise advice? Please keep in mind that I am very weak, weaker than most people even experience pre-exercise. I don't mind the pain but I'm simply not capable of a lot of common exercises and programs at this time. Thank you for reading or any responses!
First, try not to be so hard on yourself. Granted, my situation isn't like yours. But...
I used to be 240lbs and couldn't even barely bench press the bar (only 45lbs) for 10 reps when I first started. I couldn't even get on a elliptical for 10 minutes without about falling off due to extreme exhaustion. (heart rate would peg past 200+ as well) I had more health problem than you could shake a stick at and was looking at a early grave.
I now can bench press 280lbs x10, I run marathons and my heart rate rarely goes over 140-150 unless I'm doing wind sprints and I'm a solid 170lb's now @ 11% bodyfat. BUT... it took a few years.
Stick with it. It's worth it... trust me. If you feel like you need to start over... start slow, start small. 5 minutes here walking, then 10 minutes a few days later... make small incremental changes, like just cutting out sugar for a month and that's it, then expanding on it. (consult a nutritionist first) If something isn't working, change it. There is a solution to every problem. You merely need to find yours.
Post here and post often. Treat this as a personal blog, reach out for help. Expect bad days, they will happen and sometimes often at first, but that's ok... just keep moving, making small steps forward.
From the sounds of it, first and foremost, you really need to seek help from a doctor and nutritional expert as well. Do NOT jump into any new fitness regimen without consulting your doctor first. Seems your health issues are not the norm'. Then create a plan and utilize any and all tools to get healthy from there. YOU ARE WORTH IT!
You GOT this!0 -
Lasmartchika wrote: »Can you carry your purse now too?
yup.0 -
Given that you have medical conditions here, you need to talk to your doctor about any and all of this. Nobody here is qualified to give you any advice with a medical condition.
I would also add that strength is built...everyone starts out week and becomes stronger through hard work and dedication to a resistance training routine...but you should talk to your doctor about what is acceptable for you right now. Resistance work gets the heart pumping too.0 -
Resistance probably gets the heart pumping even more in quick bursts because it's anerobic. You really need to talk to your doc before you give yourself a heart attack.0
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First, sorry I had poofed. It's crazy at school right now and I haven't had time to jump back on here.
Second, I really do appreciate all the advice. "Go to your doctor" might seem obvious, but honestly I hadn't even asked. The cardiologist hadn't actually said to take it easy, but I go back in about a week and a half so I will see what is going on.
Quick question, which doctor would give me exercise advice? I have considered a nutritionist but I'm not really a bad eater, although I do eat emotionally (and boy do I feel emotional about feeling so helpless!).
And yes, I could eat at a deficit and lose. I kind of am, I have trouble eating the 1300 that MFP has me set too. I tend to go way over or way under which makes me skittish because of the past ED issues. I also lose much better low carb, but who wants to do that
Again, I am thankful for the words. I am always so incredibly hard on myself and compare myself to people a lot. I forget that I shouldn't.0 -
Which doctor? Your cardiologist is a specialist in your heart. Talk to them first. Then your general practice doctor, who should be your primary care person, and coordinating with your cardiologist.
I would also speak with a nutritionist who has a background in working with people who have had an ED in the past or currently have one.
It's great you're asking these questions, these are good ones.0 -
performfully wrote: »First, sorry I had poofed. It's crazy at school right now and I haven't had time to jump back on here.
Second, I really do appreciate all the advice. "Go to your doctor" might seem obvious, but honestly I hadn't even asked. The cardiologist hadn't actually said to take it easy, but I go back in about a week and a half so I will see what is going on.
Quick question, which doctor would give me exercise advice? I have considered a nutritionist but I'm not really a bad eater, although I do eat emotionally (and boy do I feel emotional about feeling so helpless!).
And yes, I could eat at a deficit and lose. I kind of am, I have trouble eating the 1300 that MFP has me set too. I tend to go way over or way under which makes me skittish because of the past ED issues. I also lose much better low carb, but who wants to do that
Again, I am thankful for the words. I am always so incredibly hard on myself and compare myself to people a lot. I forget that I shouldn't.
Any chance your heart issues are related to the past EDs? Hopefully they are temporary issues, and your cardiologist can give you the best advice on your limitations and what to do to heal your heart. It is a very important organ, no?
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Any chance your heart issues are related to the past EDs? Hopefully they are temporary issues, and your cardiologist can give you the best advice on your limitations and what to do to heal your heart. It is a very important organ, no?
It is believed to be from birth, when I was a child I couldn't run or keep up with kids without the bad chest pains, but there aren't definite answers yet. Soon, I hope.
I will inquire about a nutritionist after I speak to my cardiologist next week.0 -
you need to talk to MD and build a treatment tem same as with ED work as a team. Ask about using physical therapist or a trainer who has background and is willing to help monitor medical issues. I know it can work with a trainer after I was medically released I was walking first then allowed back in gym with a trainer only and it has worked I am very active and lifting heavy It has been a hard road with tears at times as I was told no I couldn't but it was the right path slow and steady no major setbacks this way
Good Luck but please do not do this alone get help0 -
Open heart surgery patient here. I'll pile on with "talk to your doctor", but also when he gives you restrictions, always ask "What can I do?" as your follow-up question and don't take gauzy suggestions; try to nail down specifics.0
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Unfortunately I kind of made this mistake! But the good news is, I can exercise! That's about all he said, but I have been stopping anytime I get 'abnormal' chest pain. Today is the first time I did some cardio for 30 minutes in months and feel okay!CipherZero wrote: »Open heart surgery patient here. I'll pile on with "talk to your doctor", but also when he gives you restrictions, always ask "What can I do?" as your follow-up question and don't take gauzy suggestions; try to nail down specifics.
So an update if anyone is curious, I do have a partial diagnosis. As it turns out my heart was making extra beats, and I have high BP. So I am on a combination medicine for that. But also half of my heart is enlarged and the ultrasound didn't show why, they are going to do another with dye in my blood to see if there is a hole shooting blood somewhere it should not be. That is next week. He thinks it should be easily managed 0 -
a hole shooting blood.
jesus, and I complain that I have problems. Get healthy.0 -
I know people said you don't "NEED" to lift. You don't need to lift weights, but you do need strength training. I do a ton of body weight exercises. I live in an extremely small apartment and pending a move (so I cancelled my gym membership) - just waiting for the green light on when we'll move. So yes, body weight DOES work and it would probably work for you just as good as lifting weights. I personally can get a crazy high HR from weight lifting compared to just body weight.
http://greatist.com/fitness/50-bodyweight-exercises-you-can-do-anywhere0 -
I know you mentioned light cardio, but walking? People seriously under estimate how awesome walking is. I walk to run a lot of my errands daily since I live "in town". The extra expenditure really helps me maintain at a healthy weight. Plus I earn a little extra in my calories, too!0
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Do nothing until you consult with your doctor, then if he/she advises find a qualified exercise physiologist who is trained to work with clients who have medical problems.
I know there are good "personal trainers" out there but I feel you need someone with a degree qualification given your medical history.
Good luck!0 -
Before you start any exercising, get clearance from your cardiologist on ones you may be able to perform without endangering yourself.
A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
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Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
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I struggle with this too but i found swimming works i go once a day for 60 mins and do laps you can go at your own pace and it helps to tone to
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performfully wrote: »
Unfortunately I kind of made this mistake! But the good news is, I can exercise! That's about all he said, but I have been stopping anytime I get 'abnormal' chest pain. Today is the first time I did some cardio for 30 minutes in months and feel okay!CipherZero wrote: »Open heart surgery patient here. I'll pile on with "talk to your doctor", but also when he gives you restrictions, always ask "What can I do?" as your follow-up question and don't take gauzy suggestions; try to nail down specifics.
So an update if anyone is curious, I do have a partial diagnosis. As it turns out my heart was making extra beats, and I have high BP. So I am on a combination medicine for that. But also half of my heart is enlarged and the ultrasound didn't show why, they are going to do another with dye in my blood to see if there is a hole shooting blood somewhere it should not be. That is next week. He thinks it should be easily managed
I've had enlarged heart concerns on one side because of the heart working to hard and high BP. My systolic is usually high while my diastolic is normal to low. Your doc will have a plan for that.The hole shooting blood, now that's something. Hope everything works out well next week.
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