Does anyone know of a good strength-training program for a 45y/o male who recently had a heart attack?

Question

I'm a Personal Trainer, and I'll will be working with clients after they complete cardiac rehab.

Answer 1

Hello Emily

Once cardiac rehab has been completed I would suggest joining a health club or the YMCA and continueing with the treadmill and recuse bike exersizes. Some minor strength exersizes are good but be sure not to put to much stress on.

I would also suggest that the patient get a heart rate monitor for their workouts and keep their heart beat in a safe area and always have thier nitro tablets handy.

All exersizes should gradually be increased as time goes on and its important to continue the exersize program religiously.

I tell you these things from experience.

Leon

Answer 2

It will vary greatly from patient to patient. You had at least get a note from their doctor regarding how much they can do. More importantly - what they cannot do.

If they do too much it can cause the heart to enlarge and lead to heart failure. If you understand heart disease, you are a leg up. If you don't, I strongly suggest that you go to cardiac rehab and talk to them. A patient out of cardiac rehab should know what they can and cannot do; however, there is always the bozo that will not follow advice and think they can exceed limits and levels. Those are the guys that drop dead and you don't want to be " training" them when that happens.

I can only speak for myself as far as an example: I am not allowed to lift more that 10 lbs. I can walk etc. but if I start to breath heavy it is time to slow down. My pulse is not to exceed 110. One measure that I am not overdoing it is that I am able to carry on a coversation while walking. The reason for these limitations is to avoid, prevent heart enlargement which would put me in worse condition that I am. I can lift 100+ lbs and I can walk 3.5 or 4.0 miles per hour where I start breathing heavy but these things put too much strain on my heart - not my body. I have proceedures for doing one heavy lift..... Thats' the kind of people you could be dealing with.

I think you might have a good business line going. The key will be to understand what you are dealing with in heart patients if you don't you could end up sued or worse. I know I have considered getting a personal trainer at times but have never heard of one that knows about heart patients. I know I would be safe with a gun ho trainer who was trying to get me to do too much so I'm not worried about myself. You need to watch out for the ones that are/will press themselves too hard. they are out there.

Answer 3

You didn't say,but you stated you are a trainer,not therapist.If your client went through cardiac rehab program,then you should ask the therapist who took care of your client during his rehabilitation.
I work with patients and we use aqua aerobics for strengthening muscles,also the treadmill set on low speed helps..But you really should discuss this with the rehab therapist who took care of your client.
I'm sure they can help you in determining just how much endurance he should start off with based on his former cardiac rehabilitation program he went through..

Answer 4

Darn on the details!! I was going to tell you to contact a personal trainer since they have more experience with the body's limits! In light of that, I think you should contact a cardiologist and take him to lunch to discuss the risks and limitations.

Answer 5

I would move towards yoga and pilates.
yoga will make you strong.
pilates also - on the inside psoas.
strong enough to later support aerobics etc.
with using the outer muscles.

Answer 6

Are you actually certified? Didn't you go to school for this? Because you should know the answer to this question.

Answer 7

My goodness your a PT and you don't know that, You need to
re-certify with ACE before you hurt someone.