Rowing / Strength Training After Heart Surgery

[LainSheppard]

Hi All,

New here, I have been actively enjoying the rower at the gym CrossFit style workouts for the past 2 years and would really like to focus on it. I am not really rowing build at 65kg / 173cm / inseam of 82cm (long legs / short torso).

I have a cycling background and up until 2013 (33 now and road most of my life) with a surprise heart valve repair I was quiet active and competitive on the bike. I was only 55kg back then and a decent climber.

My question here are can you do strength training with body weight / lighter lifts since my cardiologist has banned me from max effort 1RM lifts which I was enjoying during 5/3/1 cycles.

Another question is there anyone else here on the forums with similar surgery done?

Thanks in advance

[sdr2017]

If you had heart surgery back in 2013, I am surprised you still have limitation on your exercise. Of course, I just do little weights, so it has not been an issue for me. I did have a related surgical procedure in 2016 that included a sternotomy, and most of the restrictions I followed were due to the slow healing of the sternum. After a year I do not think I was under any restrictions.

I took up rowing to build up some cardio fitness and have been happy with the results. I do some regular bench presses and yoga to round out my exercise routine. I do not think reasonable weight lifting would be any problem. My limitations are all lung function, so cardio is a challenge, but if you do not try you never get anywhere.

Good luck with your fitness activities.