Weight exercises for upper body after heart surgery

by David Clark

I was told not to lift weights or row after my triple bypass in September 2009 as it would affect my sternum. I visit the gym twice a week and use the treadmill and bikes for 30 minutes each I swim once a week and walk 4km once a week.
My question is what can I do for my upper body as the top of my arms are now flabby whereas prior to operation they were firm. The only exercise I have been doing is to lift light weights with my arms tucked in against my body as this was an exercise taught me by the Hospital rehabilitation group.

Thank you

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Sep 07, 2013 work out in the gym NEW
by: Anonymous hi can I will be able to do some weight lifting in gym for a full body work out,i use to work out very heavy,i inderstend the this is not possible any more after a valve replmt.and aneurysm can I go light weigth
Jul 28, 2011 Exercise after heart surgery
by: Douglas Schrift Congratulations for staying active after your heart surgery. After heart surgery it is important to follow the instructions given to you before you leave the hospital. These usually include sternal precautions for a certain period of time to allow your chest to heal.

After this period, it is usually a good idea to begin strengthening your upper and lower body and work on your endurance. Certainly after a year the sternum is well healed and can tolerate a regimen of progressive resistive exercise. Always begin with lighter weights. Advance the weight when you can safely perform 12 to 20 repetitions. Never increase the weight by more than 10% at a time.

Generally there is no need to continually increase the weight used to strengthen your upper body unless you are a competitive body builder. It is better to vary the exercises instead to continually challenge the muscles to adapt.

This may include switching from weights to bands for your bicep and triceps arm workout or changing the position of your hands during your workout.

There are very few situations in which you can’t continue to exercise and stretch and strengthen as long as you check with your doctor and surgeon.