ICD and the gym: Hey loveliesDoes... - British Heart Fou...

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ICD and the gym

Cherrelleford profile image
12 Replies

Hey loveliesDoes anyone have an ICD or dilated cardiomyopathy and go to the gym? Im getting worried about my weight, I eat well etc but I'm not that active even though I have 2 young children. I will be asking my consultant about this to but wondered if anyone joined a gym.

Thanks in advance

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Cherrelleford
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12 Replies
Cherrelleford profile image
Cherrelleford

Wow! That's amazing. What is a rehab class? Sorry I've seen a few people mention it but I've never heard of it

Cherrelleford profile image
Cherrelleford

I've had my ICD a year and in constant contact with my consultant and a transplant team. Thank you for that information I will definitely ask them

Chappychap profile image
Chappychap

I haven't got an ICD, but I've met two inspirational people with them. A guy at my gym who can put most of the twenty year olds to shame. And an amazing lady who does open water swimming, including regularly crossing the Solent from the mainland to the Isle of Wight and hopes one day to swim across the Bosphurus from Europe to Asia. How cool is that!

Cherrelleford profile image
Cherrelleford in reply toChappychap

That's amazing. Fingers crossed I can join one or even have the strength to do something amazing like them

56dick19 profile image
56dick19

Hi Iv have dilated cardiomyopathy and have a ICD and I did go to the gym but now have my own equipment at home. I find that I get tired vey quickly so at home I can stop for a while then go back to it

Invermill profile image
Invermill

Hi I've had an ICD for six years now and spend an hour on an Elliptical trainer exercise bike and rowing machine most mornings with no I'll effects so go for it.Regards

Clerkenweller profile image
Clerkenweller

At the risk of being a miserable so and so the gym is important and you should certainly gently re enter the world of exercise. However managing/changing your diet is the major way to lose weight. The BHF has many useful guides.

Cricket23 profile image
Cricket23

hi, I have hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and have and ICD. My cardio consultant encourages me to do as much cardio work as possible, both in the gym and outside. I regularly play badminton, run, cross country cycle, play 5 a side footie and have a skiing holiday in Feb all being well. . You name it, I do it! Always been mad keen on sports. I guess just confirm things with your consultant first.

Cherrelleford profile image
Cherrelleford in reply toCricket23

That's good. I've never been told anything other than walk which I do. I will definitely be talking to them

Cricket23 profile image
Cricket23

Good for you. I’ve had my device since 2019, and still get a little nervous before staring exercise, but once I’m into it, then I just get absorbed by what I’m doing. I do wear a smart watch and make sure that I warm my heart up to 95 bpm before getting going, and then do a warm-down from whatever bpm to 95 before stopping. All the best

Hello. I re joined a gym on my own back, rightly or wrongly, I don't know but I had to do something. The owner of the gym has an interest in rehab and many people who go to our gym are referred by doctors. I am just doing up right bike 10 minutes. Treadmill walking, 10 minutes. Recline bike 10 minutes. Some chest presses. And a few other light weight work. But nothing above my head in the way of lifting. I try to go every other day. One it gets my heart and lungs working together. It was something I had to do to try and move forward. For my mental health more than anything. Hope you find a way to go back.

Cherrelleford profile image
Cherrelleford in reply to

Thank you for this. Before diagnosis I was extremely active etc and hopefully I can get back to being active again

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