I think I've been bad to myself

Ambience · Sep 19, 2005

I've been reading back posts about strength training and may be going against the recommendations, either way it'll be a conversation I bring up at my next cardiology visit. The busted stitches has freaked me out a bit.

I joined a health club because I was gaining extra weight. Originally my plan was to do cardio but after a free consult with a personal trainer they put me on a full body workout. Nothing too hardcore, but I am leg pressing up to 180lbs, 50lb curls, 45lb leg extensions, etc. My legs are relatively strong, I can hike for five miles barely breaking a sweat, and I'm feeling good. Guess my big question is, should I keep everything under 50 including leg presses? (Simliar to a squat but laying back to not put stress on the back. I'd really like to bulk up, but there's no way I'd do it at a risk of popping my valve

mntbiker · Sep 19, 2005

Hi Ambience,
Can't offer any advice regarding the weight limitations. If you read any of my posts you probably noticed that I am the poster child for defying doctors orders.

Welcome to the site. Throw a little introduction up in heart talk so we can get to know you.

This is a great place for active people, we have lots of very accomplished athletes here (including an Iron Man!) and they are very knowledgable and willing to share.

Ambience · Sep 19, 2005

Thanks mtn, I tend to be a little paranoid about things for obvious reasons. I get to reading stuff and my mind starts to wander. It can be a rough life sometimes, but then I stop and think that I have a life in the first place to be thankful for.

tommy · Sep 19, 2005

Glad you found us. I think that main issue with weights is not to strain - it could damage the mounting of the valve - as you say popping the valve. Arnold Schwartzenegger did just that (or so the legend goes). Busted stitches doesn't sound great either.

I'm almost 5 years post AVR. For the last 2 years, I've done weight training on and off. I've gotten some weight loss benefit from the weights, but mostly, I converted fat to muscle. Yes, muscle burns fat, but most of my weight loss has come from cardio workouts.

I "lift" about the same weights as you at those stations. I noticed that I was straining a bit, and so backed off on the weight and added reps. My primary goal is weight loss and would also like to enhance triathlon performance. I do not want to bulk out.

My trainer (free at the gym) suggested that lower weights and higher reps would aid triathlon performance, so the strategy is a great fit for me. My trainer knows a lot about fitness and athletics, but nothing about heart valves, so I always filter his instructions with my cardio's instructions. Cardio says "don't strain".

So, for me, the weights are a supplemental activity. There is nothing better for overall fitness than the cardio workout

Definitely, check with you cardio about the weights. Everybody is different with different issues.

LLJ · Sep 19, 2005

Ambience: You don't say if you're male or female,so I can't really say if the weights you're lifting are too heavy. I competed in powerlifting for 20 years before my cardiologist put a stop to it. For me, lifting "light" weights was not very satisfying so I switched to cycling,then running was added.(not happily mind you) I think you will see great results muscle bulk wise from cycling and continued lighter weight training will keep you injury free.
No one could tell me how heavy too heavy was because frankly, they had never had a patient who did what I did. (Unlike Arnold, I never took steroids)
Giving up something I loved so much was difficult,but there are alot of ways to stay fit and have fun in the world. Muscles look great,but never let vanity over rule good health. I agree with Tom, lift so you don't valsalva (hold your breath) or strain. "No strain,All Gain"
Laura