Elliptical?

Hi- do you guys know how long we need to wait until doing the elliptical trainer (the one without using your arms)? I am walking and riding the bike and it feels great! I am anxious to do the elliptical. Also, any hints for sweating to keep the area dry? I know that I need to keep it covered in the shower for a month but does that also apply to sweating? Any ideas?

5 Comments

Magnets in Ellipticals

by ela-girl - 2007-08-22 01:08:10

Elliptical machines use magnets as part of the resistance system. With this said, I do not know how big the magnets are or if they really cause any interference. Most fitness people I've talked to do not know if ellipticals are considered safe for pacemaker recipients. This doesn't mean they aren't. You may want to check with your pm manufacturer or with the elliptical manufacturer. I know that they say things like ipods and cell phones can be bad, too, but pacers still use them without problem or move things away from them or walk away from things that do cause problems. Maybe someone else will post and help us out!

I was also wondering how far post-op you were?

Happy pacing!
ela-girl

Hi Ela-girl

by lucybell - 2007-08-22 07:08:51

Thanks so much for that information! I am a week and 5 days pos-op but feeling so good that I am wanting to do my regular routine. I had no idea about that with the machines- hopeufully someone else will talk about it too so we know or I will call Medtronic to check. Thank you though- I really appreciate it as I was going to use it today!

Thanks!

by lucybell - 2007-08-22 09:08:17

Hi Barbara- thanks a bunch. I am using the ones without the arms right now. I used one today- I called the PM company and they said the magnets are not harmful to the PM. I am going to take your advice and check with my doctor tomorrow- I am nervous about it so it will give me peace of mind just to call. That is fantastic that you do so much exercise! Are you training for something? Way to go! I just want to do an hour:) Thanks a bunch:)

Ellipticals with Pacemaker

by BABlocker - 2007-08-22 10:08:52

The issue is your extension of your arms as your pacemaker implantation is still in the 6 week healing period. I have an elliptical machine and use it all the time, but during my recovery period was very careful with the arm movements or did not move my arms at all during the 6 week time to allow my leads to seat into the muscle.

Today, I use the elliptical for an hour at a time, row, and use the bike. I also weight lift daily as well, and all is fine with my pacer.

The elliptial itself has not been harmful to my pacemaker functioning and I am 100% paced and dependent. If your elliptical is just using the leg movements then your sense of wellness will determine your ability to use the machine, as leg movements will not harm your pacemaker leads in any way.

Finally, make a quick call to your implanting surgeon's/EPs office to get their approval for any exercise routine that you are unsure of.

Happy Exercising!

--Warmly,
Barbara Blocker
Biventricular Pacemker implanted

Elliptical

by fenix - 2007-09-15 05:09:20

I have been using the ellipticals at various locations (different brands), but never had any problems. I also try to run up my heart rate up to the set maximum of 140. My EP never mentioned that I ought not to use exercise machines.

If I remember I was told to wait about 4-6 weeks after pm implant before using exercise machines

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