How I keep fit as a heart patient

 


Before I start this blog I wanted to share that before I got diagnosed in December 2023 I did have a personal trainer (I mainly lifted weights with her) and then at home I did HIIT workouts. When I got diagnosed I wasn't in the best shape I've been, but I did have a decent level of fitness, which I would say has helped me remain fairly healthy since being diagnosed. 

When I got diagnosed in December I immediately stopped working out, I didn't do anything for about two months. Andy and I then signed up to Pure Gym for a few months during the colder months, we went maybe 2-3 times per week for around 45 minutes per time. I would use the treadmill but I only walked at a slightly brisk pace. In May we stopped our Pure Gym membership as we started going on evening walks in our local area as the weather was improving. This continued for several months, I tried my best to not overeat and keep walking, this allowed me to keep fairly healthy, but I can't say I'm the fittest I've been, I get tired very easily and I have been told by my cardiologist to take it steady, but to keep exercising.

When we returned from Cornwall I decided that I wanted to start doing more, my operation is likely to be in the next 5 months and I want to be healthy and physically prepared for that. My friend Rachel and I have started a workout program which will hopefully help me get fitter! So what am I doing to keep fit as a heart patient?

1. Swim once per week
Every Monday Rachel and I go for a swim after work, the furthest I've swam so far is 32 laps. In the past I used to swim in the fast lane and swim around 50 laps, now I have to take it steady, but I already feel like I'm reaping the benefits of swimming.

2. Gym workout twice per week
Every Tuesday Rachel and I go to the gym after work. I usually spend around 20 minutes on the cross trainer, 5-10 mins using the rowing machine and then 10 minutes walking briskly on the treadmill. I try and do this again myself later on in the week.

3. Walking
Andy and I love walking, as the weather is getting colder and recently we've been quite busy we've not gone on many long walks, but I would say at least once a week we go for a 45 minute walk. 

I know for some people those workouts seem very basic, but as I'm awaiting heart surgery and getting back into regular fitness I want to take it steady. I also want to say that working out for me does help my mental health, I'm already noticing the benefits of working out.

I hope that has helped you guys get some perspective on what exercise looks like for me at the moment. It has been a journey for me and will continue to have its ups and downs. 

Next Blog: Honest Blog: Appreciating my blessings

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