Myocarditis “don’t lift heavy”

[David Lingley]

This is NOT a medical question. My cardiologist team is handling that. 🙂
After 4 weeks of testing/scans/cath due to scary Arrhythmia and skipped heart beats my cardiologist as determined I have myocarditis likely caused by Covid or the vaccine. (I’ve had it 3x. My body loves Covid). The great news is my arteries are all clear and great at 54.

During those 4 weeks it’s been advised and likely impossible to train. I’ve become an average American.

I’ve been cleared cautiously to do very light cardio and to return the gym with the guideline of “no heavy lifting.” I love doctors who do not engage in fitness giving advice that is impossible to translate to real values. Heavy to me? Heavy to you? Heavy being when I get chest pain?

Rant over with my background

Coach. While I’m healing from this condition how would you approach maintaining muscle? Tomorrow I’m planning on just using warm-up weight while I monitor my heart rate, ecg and most importantly how I feel. Is there a general guideline for number of sets (3×12-15)? Where last rep is with 1-2 left in bank?

To be clear what’s the minimum I can do, with the right diet, to maintain what I have. I’m reading this could be 3-6 months.

Thanks as always.
David

[Joe]

[David Lingley]

Thank you. Great advice as always.

[Danny Tom]

Just to throw this idea on the table for you David to help you during your recovery…after you have your established a dialog with your cardiologist, something you might want to look into is training with light weights while hooked up to an EMS device like the Power Dot or the devices made by Compex. Could be an effective way to get you over this 3-6 months. These devices come with apps that run programs to stimulate resistance sessions as a supplement to your usual training or in the case of an injured athlete, a way to work muscle groups without further aggrevating an injury.

[David Lingley]

Have you used the compex during the training session? I bought one about 3-4 years ago but have barely touched it. And only after training.

[Danny Tom]

David Lingley wrote:

Have you used the compex during the training session? I bought one about 3-4 years ago but have barely touched it. And only after training.

I have the power dot. Like you, I’ve only used it after training. But I’ve seen videos of athletes using the compex while training.

[David Lingley]

Thanks. I will definitely check it out. How do you like the power dot? Seems less complicated

[Danny Tom]

David Lingley wrote:

Thanks. I will definitely check it out. How do you like the power dot? Seems less complicated

I like the power dot better. The compex wireless ones looked a little to me big and bulky and the wired ones (which I actually bought and returned) were a pain to deal with…long wires hanging all over you. I don’t think I could train with them in.

[David Lingley]

Exactly my thoughts on my wired compex. Thank you Danny.

[Author]

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