Gym

[Twobells]

Regular visits to gym 3 X a week. Today did 1 hour cardio and half hour toning really enjoying it.

Not sure how much to push myself yet.

[laura_dropstitch Heart Star]

That's fantastic, well done! I'm unsure how much to push myself too. I did 20+ minutes of (low-intensity) cardio and 10 minutes of (light) weights today (my usual amount) and was thinking I could definitely do more/work harder, but then I struggled to make it home and now can't look at a bed without wanting to climb into it. So tricky, isn't it? I'm enjoying my time at the gym while I'm there, but not enjoying how much it wipes me out for everything else.

[Twobells in reply to laura_dropstitch]

It wipes me out. The fatigue is awful, we have a guest over from USA so didn't dare sit down as otherwise 'no dinner' I would sleep, but it will also hit me tomorrow. but I feel I need to carry on for the sake of my health, but I love it whilst I'm there. Just achieving little goals is great.

[laura_dropstitch Heart Star in reply to Twobells]

I'm using the same don't-stop tactic to make it through parents evening and my weekly hula hoop class. Can't wait to go to bed tonight!

[skid112 Heart Star]

I think you are both doing fine, doing great in fact. It's a slow process but you are building stamina as well as getting fitter. Yes you're going to be tired and wiped, but every time you go you get that little bit more, you won't notice it but then in a while you'll think oh, I did that.

For Twobells I would probably limit it to an hour three times a week

[Twobells]

Thanks Mark,

I didn't plan to do that long, normally just do an hour each time. Just shocked how hard the body and mind have to work after surgery. But I am feeling great at last.

[laura_dropstitch Heart Star in reply to Twobells]

Fantastic

[skid112 Heart Star]

That is really good news

[DavidSimpson]

I find a brisk walk most days keeps you fit without over exertion, and the fresh air is better than being inside. Just build up your distance gradually. There are lots of walking groups, Facebook pages etc.

[Twobells in reply to DavidSimpson]

There are lots of walks, but I still have hang ups after suffering my HA, I am also not sure I am ready either to walk away from home downhill is great and uphill not just yet. It's very very steep. I enjoy the gym go with my husband. However, a brisk walk where I live means I have to breathe in all that horrible carbon monoxide as I live just off a very busy road. But I do enjoy a long brisk walk along beaches with my Guide dog Asher, but unfortunately I live nowhere near the sea. Lol

[DavidSimpson in reply to Twobells]

sorry about the walks! As long as you enjoy the gym thats the main thing.

[Twobells in reply to DavidSimpson]

No worries I do miss the walking, but I have completely lost my confidence. My husband has mobility problems so can't walk with me. I have tried group walking, but struggled because of my sight problems. I have just returned from Cornwall and walked on some beautiful beaches with all that fresh sea air, beautiful.

[laura_dropstitch Heart Star in reply to Twobells]

Sounds like a good balance to have the gym as a regular thing and walks outdoors when you can go somewhere pleasant. I really like walking outside. Although I live in the city, Glasgow is great for green spaces, rivers etc, and they're never too far away. But the rain! Agh, the endless rain from September to April! So I'm glad to have the gym as an option too - I can go there whatever the weather and make the most of the sunshine if/when it appears.

[Twobells in reply to laura_dropstitch]

Glasgow must be freezing too, but this can play havoc on heart conditions as your heart has to work so much harder, but so does hot weather so can't win. Like you hate the wet weather, so gym great to keep warm. The only thing the gym lacks is a cafe lol

[laura_dropstitch Heart Star in reply to Twobells]

My gym has a lovely cafe, just need to resist cake on the way out, undoing all my good work 😂

[Twobells]

So that's why there's no cafe lol

[Twobells]

Hi Laura,

Hope the cold/virus is easing off.

[laura_dropstitch Heart Star in reply to Twobells]

Thanks, it is, just a very irritating cough remaining, but otherwise fine and my heart rate is back to normal etc. My mood is taking longer to right itself, though, and I'm annoying myself with my gloominess. Yesterday was the anniversary of my diagnosis, which always causes a blip for me. I think I would have been fine this year if I'd been in good health, but I'm sluggish and fed up and getting drawn to the negative side of thoughts. But I know I'll be able to pick myself back up soon. Better go - got the pacemaker clinic this morning. Thanks for checking up on me

[Twobells in reply to laura_dropstitch]

Hop all went well at clinic. I think the darker, cold months don't help either. When your down there is only one back and that is up, but don't beat yourself up. You are a very positive person and very supportive to others on here. You have had a tough few days after all.