Weight and resistance training for cardiac rehabilitation
Weight and resistance training for cardiac rehabilitation
Resistance training with weights, elastic bands, or your own body weight may help you regain the physical strength and confidence to do the daily tasks you performed before your heart problem or surgery. Resistance training can help you get the most benefit from your cardiac rehab program.
Talk with your doctor before you start a resistance-training program. Your doctor can help make sure your training program is as safe as possible for you. Everyone is different. So you, your doctor, and your cardiac rehab team will create an exercise program that fits with your health risks and your fitness level.
Before you start a resistance-training program, it's recommended that you first participate in a cardiac rehabilitation program for 2 to 4 weeks. A physical therapist or other rehab professional can carefully design and monitor a program that's right for your level of injury and fitness. They will help teach you how to train with weights and will check to make sure you are exercising safely.
You will start with light weights and add more weight as you get stronger. You will likely do 8 to 10 different exercises that work the major muscle groups. These exercises may include the chest press, leg press, and biceps curl.
Credits
| Author | Robin Parks, MS |
| Editor | Kathleen M. Ariss, MS |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman, MATC |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Richard D. Zorowitz, MD - Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation |
| Last Updated | October 8, 2008 |
| Last updated: | October 08, 2008 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Robin Parks, MS |
| Reviewed By: | Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine, Richard D. Zorowitz, MD - Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation |
| Editors: | Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Pat Truman, MATC |
© 1995-2007, Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. By using AOL Body, you indicate that you have read, understood, and agreed to our Terms of Service, and AOL Body Advertising Policy. Read more about our content partners.
Search
Where Does it Hurt?
If you're experiencing aches and pains we can help you find answers. Find out what your symptoms mean for your health.
