High intensity interval training (HIIT)

[Heartattackvictim]

I notice that short bursts of intense activity (of as little as 20 seconds) can help with fitness, weight loss etc. I have used the approach advocated by Michael Mosely, but that was pre-HA over a year ago. Anyone know what the thinking for people like me/us is, especially when the BORG target is 13/14, whereas a proper HIIT session might target 18-20 for 20 seconds?

[David-75]

Hi there, I’d check with cardio rehab nurse/cardiologist what they feel is suitable for you. However, I would say HIIT training is probably not suitable based on what I was told about warm up gradually for 15 mins, exercising for 30 and then 15 mins warm down to ensure your heart has time to get a good blood supply to arteries. Having said that - it might be just be because Pre HA I did the T25 programme and have my mind set on that. Heart rate fluctuation stop/start is the real issue I think- go hard, then rest for a bit, then go hard again; I don’t think would be advised.Having said all that, many of the exercises are really good body weight exercises ( squats, press ups, burpees, planks, star jumps etc) but maybe better doing yoga or Pilates. In summary- check with the rehab team. I’m interested what they tell you- you will have to let us know. Have a happy and healthy new year!. Best wishes David

[Shockedwithstent in reply to David-75]

I agree totally. We need to focus on endurance and strengthen the heart muscle. Best of luck 🤞

[Bicyclist in reply to Shockedwithstent]

Yes the heart is a muscle, cardio is the exercise for that muscle , not weights, in fact if you have high blood pressure, I've heard lifting weights is not good for that. I personally do hiit training and find it helps with BP and weight loss but take advice from a cardiologist on this, as you will get varying well meant opinions here.

[Heartattackvictim in reply to Bicyclist]

Thank you

[Curlyman83 in reply to Heartattackvictim]

T25!!! Those were the days! What I’d give to be able to complete that workout now! Always felt great afterward! 😔

[David-75 in reply to Bicyclist]

Agree (heart needing cardio)- but I think resistance work or stretching for blood circulation and general muscular/ skeletal health is advised alongside cardio ; but I think heavy free and machine weights( if that’s what you mean) are not generally advised. If I can’t keep good form lifting then it’s too much for me!- but again all those excellent cardio rehab nurses will be able tell you exactly what you can and can’t do. Best wishes, David

[Heartattackvictim in reply to David-75]

Thanks David.

[Heartattackvictim in reply to Shockedwithstent]

Thank you.

[Heartattackvictim in reply to David-75]

Thank you!

[Stevo1979]

Hi, I didn't have a heart attack but had an AVR, now 41 years old, post op 2 years. I wasn't very active before op except for long walks with my dog. Now post op i wanted to get fit and lose weight. I joined, after consulting my doctor and consultant, a military style bootcamp, which I go to 3/4 times a week. They do HIIT classes and I go as hard as I know i can which varies from day to day, I know to listen to my body!Exercise is the best medicine for me, especially mentally and I feel more confident doing it as part of a group than going out on my own. My advice would be to do as much exercise as possible but always consult your doctor/consultant/cardio nurse before starting anything new.

[Heartattackvictim in reply to Stevo1979]

Thank you

[Hidden]

Hi I’m 81 years old and been a runner all my life. I’ve not had a heart attack but had two lots of stents fitted. I am now waiting for another angiogram as I still get angina when I run.My cardiologist is happy for me to run as long as I stop or walk when the pain comes on. In this way I cover up to 5 km. I also include sessions of repetitions of 70 metres hard with a short walk between. I do however walk for 15 minutes to warm up and 10 minutes to cool down.

[Heartattackvictim in reply to Hidden]

Thank you

[BillyMct]

I chatted with a couple of cardiologists on exercise HR and one advised against max hr range activity and the other said the science wasn’t firm one way or t’other as there was different views within the cardiology community. Either way you need to be cognisant of your heart condition ie if damaged by MI etc . I often hit max HR or run in threshold HR range for up to 20mins when exercising and impact varies from nothing / feeling euphoric to long lasting (1/2day+) chest aches but the latter occurs on non exercise days too so no guarantee it’s triggered by hard(er) hr activities . Ps I have seen cardio teams on these off days and they weren’t interested in further investigations , but advised to come back if I was having an MI (I did lol)

[Heartattackvictim in reply to BillyMct]

Thank you