Jogging with Afib: I’m 70 years old... - Atrial Fibrillati...

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Jogging with Afib

f1dave profile image
18 Replies

I’m 70 years old just been diagnosed with permanent Afib, I would like to take up jogging again to lose weight and get fit . Good idea or not?

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f1dave
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18 Replies

Personally, I think it’s a decision only you can make Dave, exercise is good but it’s limitations are very individual. The important thing is to listen to your body and heed what it tells you. Some suggest that if you can exercise and carry out a conversation at the same time then you will be fine. Always good to keep hydrated though if for no other reason, you will need occasional breaks for a pee 😉

f1dave profile image
f1dave in reply to

Thanks Flapjack, good advice 👍

CDreamer profile image
CDreamer

Rule of thumb - as long as you can jog and talk.

1st sign of breathlessness - slow down or pause. Build up gradually from fast walk. Listen to your body and if you feel tired, don’t push it and plenty of rest and recuperation which is very much underrated. My grandson is a double Olympian and the amount of rest he needs to take after training was quite an eye opener and everything he does during training is monitored to the nth degree.

Good idea to watch your HR and keep to your limit, mine is 120.

f1dave profile image
f1dave in reply to CDreamer

👍

Padayn01 profile image
Padayn01 in reply to CDreamer

Anything above 120 will you go into AF?

CDreamer profile image
CDreamer in reply to Padayn01

No, that’s just my safe max rate for my age & fitness as advised by rehab.

It’s a no to jogging from me, but not because of your permanent AFib.

With you being 70 and wanting to lose weight, consider non impact exercises like static bike, cross trainers, rowing machines and swimming - all coming soon to a leisure centre near you.

You can get all the cardio exercise you need from walking. Going to the gym has the added bonus of being able to do light weights and circuits, to combat the inevitable loss of muscle mass, joint mobility and balance which come with ageing, and are major risk factors for falls and fractures.

Whatever cardio exercise you choose, be sure to follow CDreamer’s advice above.

I’m 72 with permanent AFib, and in the prime of life (well most of the time..)

f1dave profile image
f1dave in reply to

👍

CloudRunner profile image
CloudRunner in reply to f1dave

I’m not going to disagree with Badger’s comments.....but😉

If you want to jog then there is no reason not to as long as you do as others have said said and listen to your body.

Running doesn’t have to be high impact, in fact it shouldn’t be high impact. It is only high impact if you heal strike....so don’t. If you do think about jogging then look up ‘Chi Running’.

You don’t need to consider the chi side of it if that isn’t your thing but it’s the running form that is important....NO heal strike😉👍

I'm 67. I used to run all the time when younger. Now, I'm a long-distance brisk walker ...... 10 miles a day 6 days a week.

I get quite a bit of fitness and enjoyment out of walking. See nature and critters .... listen to youtube vids and podcasts ..... take photographs. Plus I can eat all the calories I want and don't gain weight.

So if you're worried about not being able to run ..... I don't miss it. I think you would enjoy walking.

jondeanp profile image
jondeanp

I’m only a kid at 52. When I was in persistent AF I struggled to run. It felt like my engine was misfiring and I couldn’t get into a rhythm. I would also take Badgers advice of trying to look at more non impact exercises if you are starting out from fresh.

As for losing weight I have always struggled to keep the weight off through exercise apart from when I was doing 20+ miles per week. The most success I had was by following a diet as prescribed by one of the well known national weekly clubs ie SlimmingWorld

TracyAdmin profile image
TracyAdminPartner

You may find our A F Factfile or 'Mindfulness and Healthy Living' Booklet helpful in providing you some information regarding exercising with AF - please visit the website to view all our resources or contact the helpline for further advice heartrhythmalliance.org/afa...

Jajarunner profile image
Jajarunner

I'd start with gentler exercise, walking then progress to cycling, rowing, other low impact stuff then to running/jogging if that goes well. Nothing replaces the buzz of running, nor its calorie burn per time invested, though, does it. Good luck x

Tryfan profile image
Tryfan

As a 72 yo ex marathon runner, long distance cyclist and all round keep fit nut. I'd listen to the wise word replies. I'd suggest cycling, rather than running. Walking, hill walking if possible rather than jogging. Avoid getting your heart into the red zone. Avoid exhaustion, nicely tired, but still able to walk and talk normally. And please build up slowly. Best wishes.

Trickyticker profile image
Trickyticker

Is jogging/running a goal you aspire to achieve or merely a means to fitness and weight loss?. If its the latter , consider brisk walking combined with walking poles. Used correctly , the poles can have a positive effect on upper body flexibility and spinal mobility.

Ianc2 profile image
Ianc2

If you can , make a determined effort to get the weight off first. Say goodbye to the sugar /cakes/sweets etc. Otherwise it is like a piledriver effect on your knees. I agree with the comments regarding using walking poles, they get you walking faster in safety.

waveylines profile image
waveylines

I agree with the poles. Actually used correctly when Nordic Walking you use over 90% of your bodies muscles so its a real work out!! Olympic skiers do Nordic Walking to train when they cant ski. You can start slow and gear up as you get fitter and stronger. Best to get a couple of lessons from a qualified inatructor who can show you the correct technique. Higly recommend as kind to joints too!

Storminnormin44 profile image
Storminnormin44

Follow Badger2021 and CDreamer. Low impact exercise such as power walking. If you start feeling exhausted, rest. Get a smartwatch if you can and monitor your pulse. Maximum HR for over 60's is calculated as 220 minus your age. So at 70 it's 220 - 70 = 150, but I would aim for 130. No need to over do. I have had Bradycardia for years and was advised that 130 was a good pulse rate to aim for. I'm now on a Pacemaker and I still gently push myself up to that limit. Pre lockdown I was at the gym 4 times a week.

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