hand weights

I'd like to start lifting hand held weights because my arms have gotten extremely flabby over the past 8 weeks (post PM surgery).
How heavy do you think I can go? 4,5, 10, 20 lbs?
I used to attend a "Body Pump" class where we lifted barbells to choreographed routines. I lifted up to 20-40 lbs. Will I ever be able to do this again? My arms are in terrible shape!

4 Comments

no reason that you can't

by biceps72 - 2011-07-03 06:07:15

get stronger than you were pre-pace maker. Not sure of your age but if you are 8 week post PM implant you can/should start lifting weight again. Personally I would target all muscle groups regardless of your age/gender. You should work chest, back, legs, arms and Shoulder--ALL GROUPS should be worked once/7 days. Strength conditioning is fun and very rewarding. Decide upon a gym and hire a personal traininer for a short time to get "you started" then go on your own. There are a lot of goof stuff on the internet; you don't need a peersonal trainer but they can help get you started.
D

body pump

by busby - 2011-07-03 07:07:54

Hi Lake Breeze
Getting back to doing regular exercise should be fine. I am about your age and have been doing body pump for almost 8 years, and I have had my PM for that long. I use weights up to 20kgs (40+ lbs) with no problem. I would even go heavier but am afraid to lift any more onto my shoulders. At our age we need that type of exercise to help our bones stay strong. However, I don't like to lift too heavy above the head during the shoulder track as this is repeditive. I would much prefer to do push ups.
Robin

Hello...

by chillygurlz - 2011-07-03 08:07:23

I had a pacemaker implanted in my chest 5 weeks ago on May 24th, my doctor told me to go ahead start using hand weights on my 4th week of my pacemaker implant, so i did, i started at 5 pound weight for each hand and since i start weight training, i feel great, no problems so far. of course it depend on each person on their recovery time... I am 28 years old so age might make a differences too. I also had a open heart on May 18th to replace my tricuspid valve and so far i am having very speedy recovery and am doing great.

Hand weights

by chicom - 2011-07-05 03:07:50

I am 76 and got my PM on April 12. I waited about 5 weeks before using any weghts. I am a female, and weigh 114. I am up to using the 10 and 12 lb weights for some exercies. only 3 lb for lat raises. I increased slowly and should be back to my norm next week.
I am also using the treadmill for 1//2 hour three times a week at 4.3 mph. That is on days when I go to the gym.
I use the treadmill at home for 45 minutes but only at 4 to 4.1 mph.

You know you're wired when...

Friends call you the bionic man.

Member Quotes

I have had my pacer since 2005. At first it ruled my life. It took some time to calm down and make the mental adjustment. I had trouble sleeping and I worried a lot about pulling wires. Now I just live my life as I wish.