Exercise

[Lynn1966]

Hi everyone, after my heart attack in October 2018 I was doing my half hour walk at least 4 times a week.. I then stopped April this year and joined the gym.. my question is what is more beneficial?? At the gym I do a full body workout with weights.. I don’t do the rowing machine or the running machine.. I can’t do both as I also work .. iv also looked on YouTube at the bhf exercises , has anyone tried this and does it help tone up arm muscles?? Thank you all in advance x

[Janshageo]

Hi well done on exercise. I too had my ha in 2018. I swim 3/5 times a week approx 40-50 lengths of 25metre pool. I was told this is a far better cardio workout than the gym or walking. It’s all great for my mental health. The main thing is your exercising. If I had to chose the gym or outside walking I would choose the walking

[pasigal]

I would also choose walking over weights.

Actually, I would do neither exclusively. If you are pressed for time and want to save a bit of money, buy some exercise bands and do workouts at home when you're watching TV. Walk outside as much as possible. No gym membership!

I think the ideal rehab/workout for a heart patient is using a rowing machine with a heart rate monitor. You would need to talk to a rehab specialist as to what kind of heart rate you should target, but so-called "zone 2", about 60 percent of maximum, is where I think you want to be. A 30 minute rowing workout works both your muscular and your cardiovascularsystem...

It's all about managing your health and the necessities of life, including making a living.

[Andyman]

I walk, play golf, cycle and go to the gym. But I'm retired. Walking after my heart attack brought me weight loss and a base level of fitness as I was walking 6 days a week. But to help with loose skin brought on by weight loss I started going to the gym as well. But I didn't give up walking. Some of my days walking are replaced with cycling now. And golf is just walking with a few hits in between. My loose skin is gone on my arms and legs but on my belly it will always be there. My fitness at 68 is as good or better than its ever been. I think you should walk for the cardio and gym for the toning. 2 times gym 2 times walking. And get a bike for the weekends.

[Hidden]

Just do what you enjoy - if you don't enjoy it you won't do it long term, this needs to be for the long haul. As a life long hater of swimming I have now got into it quite a bit, it is a fantastic all round way to exercise and the environment never changes. If you are going to opt for walking it needs to be proper brisk walking, not just strolling about. As regards how hard you push yourself, you will know by how you feel both during and after, just do it progressively but work towards goals, get yourself a good sports watch so you can log your activities (Strava, Garmin connect etc) it makes it more fun you don't have to be Mo Farah to use such things! If you are going to opt for the Gym I really would suggest the rowing or running machine you need a good cardio workout over a period of time really. Good luck and KEEP IT UP. (PS you could always think about couch to 5K)

[Hidden]

I would suggest both cardio & resistance training, with a bit more emphasis on cardio.

You don’t say how many times a week you exercise! I train 6 days a week, I alternate cardio & weight training on weekdays and do both at the weekend when I have more time.

Another option is to do both, but only do weight training for 2 body parts on each visit, assuming you train at least 3 times a week, which will reduce the time on weights & allow cardio as well.

[Hidden]

Best machine IMO but omg it hurts your a$$, 20-30mins is more than enough, look (and feel) like I've ridden a horse all day when I get off 🍑

[Hidden]

My favorite all time machine is the cross trainer. I love the challenge of a solid hour inclining, for me it’s the best stress reliever going.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Looks like we have all put her off!

[Lynn1966 in reply to Hidden]

Nothing scares me off 😂😂.. in fact ever since my heart attack iv changed.. I’m no longer the person who says yes when I really want to say no.. I don’t do stress anymore.. I’m more confident and I accept myself for what I look like and most of all I am very happy 😁

[Lynn1966]

Thank you for all your comments, iv been so busy at work that I haven’t had time to read them all.. iv decided I will still do my full body work out as this has toned me my arms up 💪 I will also start with the rowing machine .. once again thank you very much for your comments xx

[Lynn1966]

I like to thank you all. As today I done my half hour brisk walk and to be honest I may look fit 😜 it made me realise I was unfit as I really struggled.. before I stopped walking I could do an hour with no problems.. my breathing was quite erratic 😩.. I will definitely get back into walking again.. it’s all very well looking fit but my health wasn’t good.. thank you again x