Overhead press

Is it ok to do overhead press with hand weights ? On my pacemaker side, I cannot raise my arm as straight as the other. Its probably because I babied it too much !

3 Comments

Check with your Doctor

by Grateful Heart - 2013-08-05 11:08:17

If it's ok, you may want to try the overhead press without weights until you feel you can straighten your arm. Then you can add light weights in time. You don't want an injury or strain on top of everything.

Good luck,

Grateful Heart

as long as your doctor clears

by Tpeezy07 - 2013-08-06 03:08:53

I had the same issue with strength in my arm. i started using 5 pound weights and then worked back up. i do 50s without a problem now. If your doc clears you, go for it.

Another perspective

by Creaky - 2013-08-08 07:08:03

The main reason docs don't want you to do certain weight training exercises is the risk of lead fracture from "clavicular pinch". The leads get pinched between the clavicle (collar bone) and the first rib.
I'm about 8 weeks out from my third set of leads in three years. I thought because I had always worked out and was in good shape (except for my heart stopping LOL) that I could ignore doctors orders. Not so.
In my last procedure, the doc removed all the prior leads and implanted new leads using a different vein that he said should make the leads less likely to break.
So my point is- please check with your doc and see if he/she can offer specific advice on what you can and shouldn't do. If they can't then look elsewhere but please don't be cavalier because you read of people that continue to do aggressive fitness programs.
Keep in mind that as far as longevity is concerned, cardio fitness is probably the most important. and I don't know of any reason you shouldn't be able to exercise as much as you want in that regard.
Creaky

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Member Quotes

In fact after the final "tweaks" of my pacemaker programming at the one year check up it is working so well that I forget I have it.