Zumba after PM

I'm getting a PM next week. I am 65 and in pretty good health (except for my heart, of course). I have an articifical aortic valve (it's 25 years old), and now asymptomatic AV block. I do Zumba and LaBlast, both lots of fun. I don't do them at a particularly high level, and have never had any trouble with them. So I'm thinking that after a few weeks I can try going to class and not using my arms at all. I think I can keep from bouncing and keep my movements really smooth, and I'll be able to do at least some of it. Am I crazy, overly optimistic, or can it be done? I have no intention of giving them up for good, but I would be a fool to start too soon. Anyone have words of advice? Thanks!

2 Comments

go for it

by Tracey_E - 2018-04-24 22:16:41

When you feel ready, give it a try! Use your arms, just don't raise them overhead the first few weeks and ease back into it. If something doesn't feel right, back off and try it again in a week. If you are sore after, which is to be expected when we first start moving again, ice will help. Some people can handle bouncing quickly, others take longer. I would say it was about 3 months before I was doing my old workout without holding back or modifying. Not that it hurt that long, just that I was still being careful and aware of it that long, felt twinges if I overdid it. Mine is under muscle, btw, which takes longer to heal.

You are probably going to be very pleasantly surprised at your new stamina! Heart block is more tiring than we think it is, often we are more symptomatic than we realize. 

Zumba

by Jimmy Dinfla - 2018-04-24 23:07:47

In addition to the preceding excellent replies, I add that after a few weeks of recovery I restarted Zumba (5 days per week), cardio aerobics (3 times per week), cross trainer (5 days per week), Pilates (twice per week), and weights (3 days per week). I bike several miles on Saturdays. And my dog takes me for daily walks.  I had a prior major heart attack, bypass surgery, enlarged heart, stent, mitral valve problem, low ejection fraction and now also dealing with ventricular tachycardia and arrhythmia issues.  Also on lots of heart meds. The only thing that hurts when exercising is bouncing up and down and fast running - the ICD is shaken and does not feel good moving over my pectoral muscle.  Also when bending over, the ICD moves. My remedy: I hold my hand over the device to steady it on my chest.  Sometimes I get winded (low ejection fraction and meds that reduce my heart rate) so I modify the exercise or slow down.  I am older than you and think overall physical ability and willingness (attitude) help us do the best that we can.  Ask your cardiologist about re-starting your exercise routine.   My advice: get your PM, recover, and get back to exercising and enjoying life.

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