Allowable upper body exercises

Hi
I had a pacemaker replanted about 7 months ago, after the first one got infected and had to be replaced.
My cardiologist has strongly advised me against doing push ups or any exercise that involves strenuous exertion of my arms and upper body.
The reason being the possibility of tearing the leads out of the cardiac muscle walls.
Any suggestions or advice please, as 1 hour a day of marching is not helping me get rid of excess upper body fat ?
thanks, cheers
peter

4 Comments

Hi there

by Angelie - 2008-12-01 10:12:45

Hey Peter,
Have you tried other various cardio exercise. I know it's extremely hard to get rid of upper body fat. But what burns fat is energy. Burn more calories than you take in and you're sure to see results somewhere. It might take persistance but eventually it will all burn off.
Have you tired variations of sit-ups, or half sit-ups. Those don't involve your upper body at all but yet intensely involve your abdominal muscles. Also, I wouldn't think that doing bicep curls would effect your leads at all, as long as you keep your shoulder out of the exercise. But a traditional bicep curl, I don't see how it could interfere.
I'm, personally, looking forward to the day where my upper arms don't wave back at me as I'm waving. LOL!
Now those are triceps, and talk about a bear to tone......my goodness.

Upper body exercises

by ElectricFrank - 2008-12-01 12:12:26

I've never seen a recommendation like you mention after 7 months. By this time the leads are scarred into the vein wall and aren't in any danger of coming out from exercise. Just stop and think that the leads are embedded in a heart wall that is pulsing away a lot more vigorously than pushups.

frank

strenuous

by Tracey_E - 2008-12-02 07:12:49

I agree with Frank, the odds of dislodging the leads with exercise after the first few months are miniscule. There's a difference between strenuous exertion and exertion so I'd say go for it as long as you feel good and build up slowly. Depending where your device is located, it's possible some exercises won't feel good so ease up if you do something that makes it pull or ache.

If you're not comfortable ignoring your doctor's advice, get another opinion and see if a second cardio can come up with a solid reason not to work out. I'm not doctor, but I can't think of a reason.

And what Angelie said! Exercise won't get rid of body fat in target areas, but it will help you tone up by building muscle. Fat is lost by calories in being less than calories burned and sadly we can't choose where those fat cells are going to come off.

Hi Peter

by LGreensweight - 2009-01-11 12:01:58

I had my pacemaker implanted 11-18-08 and was okayed 12-29-08 to return to all my previous fitness activities. For upper body, I recommend nordic walking (if you like outside activities). Using the walking poles involves the upper body in addition to the core muscles in the trunk. No need to go to the gym and lift weights. Check out www.walkingpoles.com. There's a lot more information there.

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