Exercise advice please!

I am still in my first year of Paroxysmal AF and was able to see a consultant at the end of last month. He cleared me to exercise again and it’s important to me I do as I really need and want to lose weight. My first episode came after a body Kombat class and I’ve been very anxious about exercise since. I do attend yoga classes and I love these but am looking for some ideas of things a bit more cardio. What do other people with AF do for exercise please?

[mjames1]

I didn't know what "Body Kombat" was so I looked at a YouTube video and just looking at it almost put me in afib lol

But seriously, we all react different to exercise and while in general it's good for your afib, in excess it can be counter productive, especially those engaging in endurance sports -- think marathons, triathlons, long bike training, etc.

Personally, one of my exercise triggers are certain upper body movements such as heavy lifting, bending, etc. So I stopped doing dead lifts and try not to lift anything too heavy in the gym or garden.

When you find your triggers you will find your way, and maybe Body Kombat is not the right way for you. On the other hand, if it's your passion, give it another chance.

There's a fellow who posts here who takes 100mg of flecainide prophalactively a couple of hours before he does intense exercise and he reports that it works for him.

I may try that route myself if I decide to go back to deadlifts and otherheavy lifting activities, but what works for me now are 20-40 minute walks at only a slightly aerobic pace and light to moderate weight work that does not involve too much exertion upper body bending. In other words moderation. A word easier to stomach in my 70's but not sure I could live with it in say my 40's.

Jim

[Hidden]

I exercise every day, mainly 30 mins cardio in the morning and 30 mins yoga to chill out in the evening I also play 5 a side once a week at a decent level and still hike as well, all with no real problems, I take apixaban, flecainde and nebivolol. I think it helps keep the weight off and hence keep the ab fib away. Consultant said all fine just stay away from extreme stuff like marathons etc. Hope that helps, all the best, Andy

[john-boy-92]

AF can affect people differently during cardio exercise. I've had AF for years as a runner (uncomfortable), Spin classes, functional weights, Pilates, yoga, and currently a rowing machine. The rowing machine with chest strap and HRM allows close monitoring of my heart rate, as it can jump to 180. Ease into exercise, if money allows use a good heart rate monitor (cheaper ones are inaccurate in AF), and see how it goes. My Neurologist advised against doing inverted yoga poses after I had a stroke.

[secondtry]

Getting the right exercise and weight I would say are 2 major factors in reducing the number of AF episodes.

The exercise is relatively easy.

I would suggest you do brisk walking (I use Nordic poles as well) for 30 mins before breakfast and 30 mins at the end of the day every day rain or shine, preferably on a route with Nature to observe. I suggest you avoid the other activities until you see improvements (I know this may seem boring but it worked for me).

Losing weight is trickier.

I would consult the most experienced Nutrionist you can afford and accept it takes time to learn about the best food choices for you the individual and then source the best places for your regular intake. I am now BMI 23 and eat a high quality organic full fat varied diet with 90% less gluten and sugar. Minimal processed food, 90% cooked from scratch. Back in the day, I used to follow silly diets lose and then put straight back on again, now I couldn't put weight on if I tried and believe me I do try as friends say I look too thin! Of course you need to transition in stages to any new regime with professional advice.

[beach_bum]

Age, other conditions, meds, past exercise experience are important factors.

You say you want to lose weight...are you slightly overweight, or obese, or somewhere in between? All very important factors.

In any scenario, slow and gradual is always recommended to start or get back into cardio after injury or a long hiatus.

Diet is equally important, portion size and carb awareness etc.

One can do cardio and resistance training 5 days a week and still not lose weight if proper diet and portion size are not addressed.

You will get there, just relax and don’t try and hurry up weight loss.

Skip the class Kombat sessions, and try resistance training. Burns loads of calories without spiking heart rate. If you burn more calories than you take in, you will lose weight.

Keep the faith. 🙂

[Snowgirl65]

I use a NordicTrack elliptical machine on a low setting. Repetitive motion, for a long period, burns fat in a healthier way than working up a sweat and ending up with aching muscles -- at least from what I read. I quit when I get tired. If you're more into heavy-duty cardio, then go for it! I just know what works for me.