My chest hurt just watching this. The event that lead to me getting my device (V-Tach) happened after I went heavy at the gym. I just got mine this past Monday. I thought that my gym days were over. Then I found your channel, I’m inspired and and happy. Thank you for all you do.
Ok, you have officially reached "God Send" category in my book! Your video/words address exactly what I have been thinking about and trying to obtain answers to... I have been a workout queen most of my life and a marathon runner . Instead of resuming my physical workouts after my PM implant, I have been scared and extra cautious because I know how physically active I like to be and I'm scared I will dislodge one of my electrical leads. I have been asking and searching around for specific information on what limitations I have, and what physical activities I can resume - there is absolutely nothing and my drs just say "resume your normal routine...just don't do this or that..."...which leaves my "perplexed"...and at a "standstill" until seeing your videos! I live between Sarasota, FL and Wash DC (back and forth every month). If you are anywhere in the vicinity, I would love to come to your training facility! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU! Linda
Thank you! I put this information out there just for that very reason. There was nothing out there regarding activity post-pacemaker. My doctor told me to resume crossfit without limitations. He said the only time that someone had issues with the lead wires was doing a lot of pull-ups. That being said, I had someone send me a not so nice message saying that I shouldn't be encouraging this type of activity. She had a wire issue following rowing. So, I'm going to give this advice, if your doctor gives you restrictions, follow them. If he doesn't give you restrictions, and you are comfortable with a very minimal risk (less than 4% of lead wires break or dislodge per year), GO FOR IT! Also there are other hard core crossfit athletes out there with pacemakers and they are also doing great. As far as my studio, I am in Norman, OK. Ironically, I lived in Sarasota for many years. I just started up my online training program, so if you ever need some advice or programming, just let me know.
thank you so much to share this content with us, for me it was important and very motivating to get back to training. I was out for 1 year and 6 months even though I knew I could go back to gym and do my work out , but I was afraid and didn't know what exercises I could or couldn't do and this, damn this gave me more security and confidence. Thanks a lot Gina ! #Pacemaker team :)
This video is of encouragement to me. I am symptomatic with WPW, and if my medication does not work, I will have to undergo a cardiac ablation. If I do have this procedure, there is a small chance that I will end up needing a pacemaker because of where the extra electrical pathways to my heart are located (I could have been harmed if those areas were damaged, which is why the doctors opted not to do the ablation in my first EP study back in December). I have goals to build more muscle on my body, and I was concerned that a pacemaker could prevent me from doing that. Turns out, that might not be the case at all. I still hope I won't need a pacemaker though.
I originally had an ablation on my SA node to slow my heart rate. It was successful. Unfortunately over time, my heart slowed even more, which led me to getting a pacemaker. So hopefully medication will work for you. Or the ablation as a second option. But yes, rest assured that you will still be able to be active even if you have to have a pacemaker. Good luck!
Thank You 😊 for this . There is no real weight training infro .. shocked me to be honestly with how many are done and older generation being more health conscious.. hug 🤗 hope do great 👍
I'm a teacher in Sarasota and a pacemaker candidate. I had a syncope black out event while on a motorcycle. My cardio doc has always been suspicious of my resting heart rate below 60. I'm on line monitor now. I want to get back to workouts and worry about the future. I like the idea of leadless. Thks for videos
My resting heart rate was often in the 30s and even sometimes in the 20s. I was still working and even working out but was often tired and lightheaded. I feel so much better now! So whatever the future holds for you, you will be just fine.
@@ginahoegh my resting is about 53 avg but my smart watch records down to 35 overnite. Ill see the results in 3 wks at cardio. I see that the leadless looks like a good choice for bradycardia I was being a baby worrying about the traditional pacemaker install
@@pokeyboy1 They keep making a lot of advances as far as the leadless. They decided to do a his bundle pacemaker with me that way it would mimic a normal heart rhythm and therefore less reliance on the pacemaker. That way if I ever decided to go without it my heart would be able to beat on its own with no problems. But I am hoping in the future one of those will be available in the leadless.
Hi great video. How long after your pacemaker was fitted did you start this or any weight training.? I've just had a pacemaker fitted 5 weeks ago.Regular weight training before that.Been doing aerobic since.
I started back to weight training the first week with everything except my left arm. Things like single arm kettle bell work, etc. I slowly increased weight up the 6 week mark with my left. The exercises shown in the video, I started at the 6 week mark.
@@benaminjames5639 just be cautious and focus on light weight and be aware that the tissues that you can’t see take longer to heal. Be most cautious with the pectoral muscles. You want to make sure to allow the pocket to heal thoroughly. Happy training!
I started doing the types of exercises. I have on my safe exercises after I pacemaker videos immediately. I also started doing leg exercises immediately. Then I worked into gently increasing the weight and difficulty of upper body exercises at the four week mark when I was released from my initial precautions.
Hey, this was 4 years ago, have you had any issues with lead fractures? And, are you still lifting? One thing that is for sure is the far and wide range of advice from my EP(s) that I have had. I received my PM 2 years ago…the cardiologist that installed my PM said “go back to normal, no restrictions, and I recently had to get a new EP as my original moved…”I would not recommend any overhead presses or chest lifting.” Uh, what…? Now I haven’t been to the gym in months because of the fear that my EP put into my head. So frustrating.
The reason you get conflicting information is there is very little research on lead breakage with exercise. The only thing I found was there is less than a 4% chance of lead breakage per year. That would include all scenarios including car wrecks, and such. So you really just have to go with your gut on that. I went into it telling my doctor I would not get the pacemaker unless I could continue and he said he had no issues with that. To answer the other questions, I am still lifting, and rarely even remember I have my pacemaker.
I technically continued CrossFit immediately following my surgery. It was a challenge to modify to keep the weight below 10# and arm below shoulder level. So I did things like Romanian or sumo deadlifts with an 18 pound kettle bell in both hands and a low resistance rowing machine. I also did walking lunges and step ups with light dumbbells in each hand. And back squats with the barbell. Plenty of leg and ab stuff for sure! Then after my restrictions were lifted, I just started slowly working on stretching my arms overhead again to the point where I could hold onto the bar for pull ups. Started going as heavy as felt comfortable with cleans and other lifts. This particular video was probably six months or so after.
@@ginahoegh thanks Mate, had mine in last week.been taking long wqlks and doing a little battle bike but I know I won't have the patience to not train anything for months, very helpful 👍
Once you are released from your precautions, it is a personal choice. I have several videos that discuss the potential risks of activities. I do them without any issues.
I'm here wondering the same thing. Always lifted weights but none for the last 3-4 months. Dr said "you can do all the things you did before, blah blah, blah..." After I get the pm in he says. Oh btw "don't do any bench press or push up anymore. Repetitive movements like that might eventually pull the leads out." WHAT?! Looking for second opinions.
@@fissurekingultra9162 Yeah, who wants to be limited from what we used to enjoy? However, there are some dissenting opinions. My PM Tech (Medtronic) company told me no overhead lifting with heavy weights,....ever. I've also read that repeated motion of the same kind and often, can wear out a lead, like a crimped wire in a specific spot. I would consult multiple sources before returning to your workout routine.
Anmol Bhatti Your pacemaker should have a manual that discusses the precautions. But in general most aren’t effected significantly by electronics. I had interference at the beginning with radio towers, but nothing else including my cell phone held close. I no longer have any issues. Everyone seems to have different experiences though. Also the pacemakers are so advanced that if there is any interference, the pacemaker should reset quickly. If you have any concerns about your pacemaker, I would just contact your doctor.
Thanks I will follow all precautions but somehow I was worried about long term effect of phones on pacemaker so I am thinking of getting a one with least SAR value. Other things being like avoiding close proximity to transformers, radio towers and any other devices having magnetic fields that can interfere with the device
It depends on your doctor. My doctor released me to do this type of exercise because I was already extremely active. As long as your doctor releases you, you can do whatever you feel comfortable with doing. I worked back up to this starting at the 6 week mark, when I was released from the limitations.
I always recommend talking with your doc about your particular situation. That said, mine is dual chamber. That in itself is not an issue. The only issue is possible lead breakage which is rare. My doc fully released me to heavy weight lifting. I have zero issues with mine.
I love lifting. i pray my lead holds, but if god decides that my leads should fail and i fall in the 4 percentages, i guess thats a risk im willing to live with wnd hopefiully not die with.
The protocols that each dr uses is widely varied. It’s shocking how very little consistency there is from day one post op to years out. All I can say is, my dr gave me the ok and even if he hadn’t, the 4% chance of lead breakage wouldn’t stop me.
My chest hurt just watching this. The event that lead to me getting my device (V-Tach) happened after I went heavy at the gym. I just got mine this past Monday. I thought that my gym days were over. Then I found your channel, I’m inspired and and happy. Thank you for all you do.
Your gym days definitely aren’t over!! Good luck!
Ok, you have officially reached "God Send" category in my book! Your video/words address exactly what I have been thinking about and trying to obtain answers to... I have been a workout queen most of my life and a marathon runner . Instead of resuming my physical workouts after my PM implant, I have been scared and extra cautious because I know how physically active I like to be and I'm scared I will dislodge one of my electrical leads. I have been asking and searching around for specific information on what limitations I have, and what physical activities I can resume - there is absolutely nothing and my drs just say "resume your normal routine...just don't do this or that..."...which leaves my "perplexed"...and at a "standstill" until seeing your videos! I live between Sarasota, FL and Wash DC (back and forth every month). If you are anywhere in the vicinity, I would love to come to your training facility! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU! Linda
Thank you! I put this information out there just for that very reason. There was nothing out there regarding activity post-pacemaker. My doctor told me to resume crossfit without limitations. He said the only time that someone had issues with the lead wires was doing a lot of pull-ups. That being said, I had someone send me a not so nice message saying that I shouldn't be encouraging this type of activity. She had a wire issue following rowing. So, I'm going to give this advice, if your doctor gives you restrictions, follow them. If he doesn't give you restrictions, and you are comfortable with a very minimal risk (less than 4% of lead wires break or dislodge per year), GO FOR IT! Also there are other hard core crossfit athletes out there with pacemakers and they are also doing great. As far as my studio, I am in Norman, OK. Ironically, I lived in Sarasota for many years. I just started up my online training program, so if you ever need some advice or programming, just let me know.
After how many time post surgery you start to do this
thank you so much to share this content with us, for me it was important and very motivating to get back to training.
I was out for 1 year and 6 months even though I knew I could go back to gym and do my work out , but I was afraid and didn't know what exercises I could or couldn't do and this, damn this gave me more security and confidence.
Thanks a lot Gina !
#Pacemaker team :)
And I’m still going strong. Glad I could give you confidence in your journey!
Why did they put a pacemaker on you
This video is of encouragement to me. I am symptomatic with WPW, and if my medication does not work, I will have to undergo a cardiac ablation. If I do have this procedure, there is a small chance that I will end up needing a pacemaker because of where the extra electrical pathways to my heart are located (I could have been harmed if those areas were damaged, which is why the doctors opted not to do the ablation in my first EP study back in December). I have goals to build more muscle on my body, and I was concerned that a pacemaker could prevent me from doing that. Turns out, that might not be the case at all. I still hope I won't need a pacemaker though.
I originally had an ablation on my SA node to slow my heart rate. It was successful. Unfortunately over time, my heart slowed even more, which led me to getting a pacemaker. So hopefully medication will work for you. Or the ablation as a second option. But yes, rest assured that you will still be able to be active even if you have to have a pacemaker. Good luck!
@@ginahoegh Thanks so much! I appreciate that!
Thank You 😊 for this . There is no real weight training infro .. shocked me to be honestly with how many are done and older generation being more health conscious.. hug 🤗 hope do great 👍
You are welcome! And I’m doing really great!
I'm a teacher in Sarasota and a pacemaker candidate. I had a syncope black out event while on a motorcycle. My cardio doc has always been suspicious of my resting heart rate below 60. I'm on line monitor now. I want to get back to workouts and worry about the future. I like the idea of leadless. Thks for videos
My resting heart rate was often in the 30s and even sometimes in the 20s. I was still working and even working out but was often tired and lightheaded. I feel so much better now! So whatever the future holds for you, you will be just fine.
@@ginahoegh my resting is about 53 avg but my smart watch records down to 35 overnite. Ill see the results in 3 wks at cardio. I see that the leadless looks like a good choice for bradycardia
I was being a baby worrying about the traditional pacemaker install
@@pokeyboy1 They keep making a lot of advances as far as the leadless. They decided to do a his bundle pacemaker with me that way it would mimic a normal heart rhythm and therefore less reliance on the pacemaker. That way if I ever decided to go without it my heart would be able to beat on its own with no problems. But I am hoping in the future one of those will be available in the leadless.
@@ginahoegh My resting while awake is about 53 but asleep it goes to 35. Are you in the 30's while awake?
@@pokeyboy1 I was in my 30s during an active day.
Hi great video. How long after your pacemaker was fitted did you start this or any weight training.? I've just had a pacemaker fitted 5 weeks ago.Regular weight training before that.Been doing aerobic since.
I started back to weight training the first week with everything except my left arm. Things like single arm kettle bell work, etc. I slowly increased weight up the 6 week mark with my left. The exercises shown in the video, I started at the 6 week mark.
@@ginahoegh Wow! Will start some weight training this week then. Thanks for the reply
Very very very important to know is its a common PM(2lead right chamber) or a CRT with 3 leads( both left and right heart cyncronisation)
I am not sure what you are trying to tell me or ask me.
Motivation I am 23 and have pacemaker
Thanks
You’re welcome
It’s been 30 days since the install. I’m gonna start lifting at the 6 week mark. I think that’s ok
@@benaminjames5639 just be cautious and focus on light weight and be aware that the tissues that you can’t see take longer to heal. Be most cautious with the pectoral muscles. You want to make sure to allow the pocket to heal thoroughly. Happy training!
How long after your surgery, you were able to start exercising? Thank you.
I started doing the types of exercises. I have on my safe exercises after I pacemaker videos immediately. I also started doing leg exercises immediately. Then I worked into gently increasing the weight and difficulty of upper body exercises at the four week mark when I was released from my initial precautions.
@@ginahoegh thank you so very much. I wish you health.
Hey, this was 4 years ago, have you had any issues with lead fractures? And, are you still lifting? One thing that is for sure is the far and wide range of advice from my EP(s) that I have had. I received my PM 2 years ago…the cardiologist that installed my PM said “go back to normal, no restrictions, and I recently had to get a new EP as my original moved…”I would not recommend any overhead presses or chest lifting.” Uh, what…? Now I haven’t been to the gym in months because of the fear that my EP put into my head. So frustrating.
The reason you get conflicting information is there is very little research on lead breakage with exercise. The only thing I found was there is less than a 4% chance of lead breakage per year. That would include all scenarios including car wrecks, and such. So you really just have to go with your gut on that. I went into it telling my doctor I would not get the pacemaker unless I could continue and he said he had no issues with that. To answer the other questions, I am still lifting, and rarely even remember I have my pacemaker.
Thanks!
You’re welcome! And I’ve came a LONG way since that video!
Hi Gina, can you pls tell us how long between surgery and this time when your back xfit mobile? Thanks 👍
I technically continued CrossFit immediately following my surgery. It was a challenge to modify to keep the weight below 10# and arm below shoulder level. So I did things like Romanian or sumo deadlifts with an 18 pound kettle bell in both hands and a low resistance rowing machine. I also did walking lunges and step ups with light dumbbells in each hand. And back squats with the barbell. Plenty of leg and ab stuff for sure! Then after my restrictions were lifted, I just started slowly working on stretching my arms overhead again to the point where I could hold onto the bar for pull ups. Started going as heavy as felt comfortable with cleans and other lifts. This particular video was probably six months or so after.
@@ginahoegh thanks Mate, had mine in last week.been taking long wqlks and doing a little battle bike but I know I won't have the patience to not train anything for months, very helpful 👍
Hi Gina. I just got my pacemaker 5 days ago 🥴. How about handstand push-ups? Can you do it without damage the lead?
Once you are released from your precautions, it is a personal choice. I have several videos that discuss the potential risks of activities. I do them without any issues.
I'm here wondering the same thing. Always lifted weights but none for the last 3-4 months. Dr said "you can do all the things you did before, blah blah, blah..." After I get the pm in he says. Oh btw "don't do any bench press or push up anymore. Repetitive movements like that might eventually pull the leads out." WHAT?! Looking for second opinions.
@@fissurekingultra9162 Yeah, who wants to be limited from what we used to enjoy? However, there are some dissenting opinions. My PM Tech (Medtronic) company told me no overhead lifting with heavy weights,....ever. I've also read that repeated motion of the same kind and often, can wear out a lead, like a crimped wire in a specific spot. I would consult multiple sources before returning to your workout routine.
@@jaynemcguire Thank you for your input. I do appreciate it.
Any precautions one needs to take with electronic devices?
Anmol Bhatti Your pacemaker should have a manual that discusses the precautions. But in general most aren’t effected significantly by electronics. I had interference at the beginning with radio towers, but nothing else including my cell phone held close. I no longer have any issues. Everyone seems to have different experiences though. Also the pacemakers are so advanced that if there is any interference, the pacemaker should reset quickly. If you have any concerns about your pacemaker, I would just contact your doctor.
Thanks I will follow all precautions but somehow I was worried about long term effect of phones on pacemaker so I am thinking of getting a one with least SAR value. Other things being like avoiding close proximity to transformers, radio towers and any other devices having magnetic fields that can interfere with the device
@@ginahoegh Thanks for ur time , God bless
So pacemaker user can do these exercises too..after how many month from surgery
It depends on your doctor. My doctor released me to do this type of exercise because I was already extremely active. As long as your doctor releases you, you can do whatever you feel comfortable with doing. I worked back up to this starting at the 6 week mark, when I was released from the limitations.
i have dual chamber pacemaker is it ok to have heavy upper body workout routine?
I always recommend talking with your doc about your particular situation. That said, mine is dual chamber. That in itself is not an issue. The only issue is possible lead breakage which is rare. My doc fully released me to heavy weight lifting. I have zero issues with mine.
I love lifting. i pray my lead holds, but if god decides that my leads should fail and i fall in the 4 percentages, i guess thats a risk im willing to live with wnd hopefiully not die with.
You sound like me. Live life to the fullest! Hopefully we’ll all be leadless sooner rather than later.
Great!
I have had a pacemaker for 4 months. To my surprise, I was told by the hospital not to do any upper body exercise at all, forever.
The protocols that each dr uses is widely varied. It’s shocking how very little consistency there is from day one post op to years out. All I can say is, my dr gave me the ok and even if he hadn’t, the 4% chance of lead breakage wouldn’t stop me.
U so much greater
Thanks!
You're welcome