Figure/Bodybuilding with a pacemaker

Speak to your EP......

by Zoë - 2018-02-05 20:58:01

Hi Sam,

I competed both Nationally and Internationally for Ireland in IFBB Bodyfitness/Figure.  However, that was before I got my ICD last October.  To be honest I gave up that whole lifestyle of extreem fitness and constant prep cycling as it really takes its toll after a while!  That said, I have no regrets and totally admire what you are about to take on and hopefully conquer!!! I would make sure that you get a full medical done first with your cardiologist before you get cracking with intense workouts.  Also, be really sensible when it comes to the carb and water manipulations before your contest.  These will wreck havoc with your blood sugars and hydration and personally I think that anyone with a heart condition, especially with a device should not compete....get fit and eat well by all means but if you want to compete seriously (and bodybuilding isn't something to do lightly, pardon the pun) then actually maybe think twice about hitting the stage?  If it's actually a "fitness" contest that you're doing, which isn't affiliated to bodybuilding - aka IFBB/NPC - then it's a much softer look the judges are looking for and you might get away with it.  I know I'm not really answering your question, and I'm giving a bit of a mixed bag response, but I certainly wouldn't dream of competing again -I don't think I'd ever lift again....

REPLY

by Sam_Anneliese - 2018-02-06 10:27:30

Thank you both for your input

Zoe- it is Figure like NPC or OCB (havent decided which affiliation yet) not "Body building" but definitely similar workouts. I have talked to my EP she said it was OK to try machines but reccomended staying away from free weight (ie bench press) bc the bar could crush the device if I fail on a rep.

I have a pacemaker not an ICD so Im not sure if the restrictions are the same?

I have been lifting this whole year since surgery just have only done stuff to 90 degrees (ie lateral raises/front raises/upright rows) for shoulders nothing overhead. I just wasnt sure if it makes a difference, I dont want to dislodge anything, but i've read some other posts that there are crossfitters on here that do pull ups and triple digit overhead jerks and are fine and then some people who have been told not to lift at all. Thus far I've been fine with my current activity level- lifting roughly 3-4x per week and cardio 15-20min daily but obviously it will be more vigorous plus the diet with a show so I wasnt sure if anyone had experience with competing with a device.

Thank you again! I really appreciate all the input I can get!

-sam

Resistance bands may be the way to go?...

by Zoë - 2018-02-06 18:28:52

Remember you don't have to lift heavy to build mass while getting that "X" frame...seeing as you're already in a training regime and have a green light from your Drs, maybe look at going about your training a different way?  Instead of adding weight or new movements, stick to the ones you're comfortable with but drop the weights to half of what you're used to and rep them out: your Drs right to avoid bar work(eg bench press) for risk of chest injury but light free weights should be grand.  Be careful with flys, which really open up the chest area, and consentrate instead on building nice "capping" on your shoulders, firm abs and shapely arms and legs...don't go over the top with isolating obliques as that can cause the waist to appear thicker than it should which is not a good look.  A lot of women neglect legs for fear or making them too big, however you have to train legs hard to make them look lean if that makes sense! I swear by endless walking lunges, kickbacks, leg extensions/curls and the press with different foot placements to hit inner and outer parts....machines are great because they keep your workouts balanced, controlled and have lower risk of injury.  Don't underestimate the power of resistance bands either- not only are they great for travelling and using back stage, but you can do a full body workout with them controlling the resistance as you go and are relatively safe considering you're not throwing a load of iron about the place lol!  I know I said I prob wouldn't lift again (as in go back to the gym) but I will probably dig out my bands again as they really are great for shaping up and getting the body back to fitness.  There's litterally endless ways to use them to hit all body parts and you can build up to some serious resistance with the industrial brands.

Again, just okay anything new you want to try out with your care team first, but best of luck with it and let us know how you get on :D

ZOE-

by Sam_Anneliese - 2018-02-07 10:35:27

Hey Zoe!

Thank you so much for the great advice! I definitely will increase usage of resistance bands. I used to train powerlifting so I was so used to doing high weight low reps but I'm working with more resistance, lower weights and more resistance now to isolate the muscles better and prevent injury. I will definitely give some of the exercises you reccomended a try!

And OFCOURSE I will update how it's going!

again thank you so much for your advice and encouragement its really appreciated :)

-sam

Drew Logan!

by athlete735516 - 2018-02-11 03:00:16

I was told the same thing by my doctor about not doing things over my head or pushups too but I am not sure of the research either.

I recommend that you look up Drew Logan. He is a personal trainer, 3x cardiac arrest survivor with an internal defibrillator, and competed on the show NBC Strong (which is how I saw him). It doesn't appear that he has let having an implanted device stop him from working all of the muscles in his body. I would recommend talking to him to see what he thinks!

re-Drew Logan

by Sam_Anneliese - 2018-02-12 11:03:14

Hey!

Thanks for the info I'll def look him up. In my research I've found another professional body builder with a pacer and an American Ninja Warrior!

So Much inspiration.

I also found a page-Cardiac Athletes if anyone is interested in checking it out. More geared towards runners but still pretty awesome and inspiring!