going to the gym

[pamage]

i have joined a gym today and had an induction course but concerned if any of the exercises will damage or affect my pacemaker. please advise.

[Jerry_NJ]

There is a post currently on the page that asks about pain associated with a ICD
See:  http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Heart-Rhythm/icd/show/931260
I responded saying I think that should not be the case and the doctor should be consulted, but I did so without any personal experience with and ICD or Pacemaker.

Maybe either of you can give some help to that person.

Thanks,

[Chritre]

I think everyone is a little different and it depends exactly how your pacemaker is positioned.  I have been exercising (weight lifting, aerobics, etc) in a gym off and on for 9 years with a pacemaker and have never had a real problem.  I do notice that trying to stretch my left arm across my body feels like it squishes the pacemaker a bit, but if i move my arm down a few inches it feels fine.  When I do any exercise that really contracts the muscle that my pacemaker lies under, I pay attention to how it feels and stop or switch positions if it feels like it is putting too much pressure on the pacemaker.  If your pacemaker has been implanted recently, be especially careful for the first few months while the scar tissue grows to hold the pacer and leads in place.  I haven't encountered any exercise equipment that sends an electrical pulse, but be wary of any scale or electronic device that measures percent body fat as these send a weak electrical current through you body.  I am not a doctor and can only speak from my own experience, but I hope this helps.  Good luck and enjoy the gym!!!