Alternatives to Weight Lifting

bunny876
bunny876 Posts: 40 Member
edited October 6 in Fitness and Exercise
My cardiologist says that weight lifting is the worst thing for me as far as exercise. I am wondering if anyone has any suggestion of an alternative that can offer the same benefits.

Yes I will consult with my doctor first, but I would like some suggestions so I can ask about it.

Replies

  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 48,994 Member
    My cardiologist says that weight lifting is the worst thing I can do as far as exercising with my heart arythmia. I tried to ignore him but once I started lifting again my heart would get out of rhythm to the point I am out of comission for a few days.

    Can anyone suggest any alternatives to help tone and do the same effect without the side effects?
    I have to agree with your cardiologist. Lifting is something you shouldn't do according to how I have to train patients with heart problems. Focus is more on cardiovascular exercise. I do some isometric (light) with clients though as long as I monitor their pulses.

    Also many of the patients at our facility do Tai Chi.

    A.C.E. Certified Personal Trainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
  • Lleldiranne
    Lleldiranne Posts: 5,516 Member
    Can you do yoga? Or pilates? Both are strength (muscle) building without the stress of the weights. Also maybe you can use resistance bands.
    I would ask your cardiologist before starting anything new, though.
  • Dave198lbs
    Dave198lbs Posts: 8,810 Member
    I would ask your cardiologist before starting anything new, though.

    this. only this
  • RonSwanson66
    RonSwanson66 Posts: 1,150 Member
    So are you actually considering taking the advice of random people on the internet over the advice of your cardiologist?


    If so, can I have your stuff?
  • bunny876
    bunny876 Posts: 40 Member
    So are you actually considering taking the advice of random people on the internet over the advice of your cardiologist?


    If so, can I have your stuff?

    No I am just looking for suggestions....maybe for something I haven't thought of I can ask my doctor about.
  • Silverkittycat
    Silverkittycat Posts: 1,997 Member
    I tried to ignore him but once I started lifting again my heart would get out of rhythm to the point I am out of comission for a few days.

    Why are you trying to ignore your cardiologist?
  • JamesBurkes
    JamesBurkes Posts: 382 Member
    I would ask your cardiologist before starting anything new, though.

    this. only this

    Yup. Ask your cardiologist for suggestions. I'd imagine most kinds of cardio, especially walking and swimming (?) would be okay. But yoga could be good - it not only increases flexibility and reduces stress, it also builds strength.

    Run it past your cardiologist and see what they say.
  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 48,994 Member
    I tried to ignore him but once I started lifting again my heart would get out of rhythm to the point I am out of comission for a few days.

    Why are you trying to ignore your cardiologist?
    I believe that the OP is looking for some input to talk to the cardiologist about. No one wants to be held hostage to a health issue. Sometimes doctors can be pessimistic about recovery and/or ability and have been proven wrong. However I would say the OP proceed with lots of caution and not to try anything without first consulting.


    A.C.E. Certified Personal Trainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
  • Health_Gal
    Health_Gal Posts: 715 Member
    How about riding on a stationary bike?
  • bunny876
    bunny876 Posts: 40 Member
    I tried to ignore him but once I started lifting again my heart would get out of rhythm to the point I am out of comission for a few days.

    Why are you trying to ignore your cardiologist?
    I believe that the OP is looking for some input to talk to the cardiologist about. No one wants to be held hostage to a health issue. Sometimes doctors can be pessimistic about recovery and/or ability and have been proven wrong. However I would say the OP proceed with lots of caution and not to try anything without first consulting.


    A.C.E. Certified Personal Trainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

    Yes, you are exactly right. I am only in my 20's and it is hard having to be so restrictive already on diet and exercise programs. It is kind of hard to deal with at times, and I am just trying to find things that I can consult with my doctor about. I don't want to be flabby and weak all my life, I want to find a way that I can be toned without having the reverse affects on my heart.

    I went back and edited my original post so it didn't seem that I was saying "I am going to do what I want to without talking to the doctor." Thank you all for your suggestions.
  • Azdak
    Azdak Posts: 8,281 Member
    Training effects will be specific to the type of training you are doing. So, there is no "substitute" for weight lifting that will achieve the same results.

    That being said, other forms of resistance training will give you other results, and those results might be acceptable.

    In this case, I would suggest Pilates. Conventional resistance training can result in physiological responses that can provoke the symptoms you are describing. Pilates uses more extended movements which will not have as great an effect on your heart. The strength increases you achieve will be different than those achieved with "weight lifting" but you may find them rewarding.

    As others have said, run this past your cardiologist before doing anything.
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