high blood pressure and training

Baby K · 07-30-2007, 06:27 AM

At the age of 54 my mother has decided to start hitting the gym for the first time in her life. I'm really proud of her. We just lost dad 2 years ago so this is a great step to getting her life back on track.
I reccomended she get a PT to help her as i live in a different country and she didn't have a clue where to start.

She has a big belly but she is not obese, under 133 pounds and 5ft2. She suffers from a little high blood pressure but not startlingly so.

The PT has said that because of that she should not lift weights and has her on a cardio program. This sounds like total rubbish to me... what do you think?

domineaux · 07-30-2007, 09:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Baby K

At the age of 54 my mother has decided to start hitting the gym for the first time in her life. I'm really proud of her. We just lost dad 2 years ago so this is a great step to getting her life back on track.
I reccomended she get a PT to help her as i live in a different country and she didn't have a clue where to start.

She has a big belly but she is not obese, under 133 pounds and 5ft2. She suffers from a little high blood pressure but not startlingly so.

The PT has said that because of that she should not lift weights and has her on a cardio program. This sounds like total rubbish to me... what do you think?

I think you should consider the greater good, since you are in no position to help her. The cardio is probably tough enough on her, and you sure don't want to give her an excuse to quit.

Bob 1 · 07-30-2007, 09:51 AM

I think the weight lifting call should be made by her Doctor and not a PT person. If the blood pressre is controlled the weight lifting will do as much to get her in shape as the cardio. IMO

bgnb · 07-30-2007, 09:57 AM

the PT is an idiot ... probably gets a kickback for selling extras
with the gym membership.

tell your mom about this site and to find a trainer that will
get her started lifting weights ... its the fastest way to get
healthy and strong and cardio-fit!!!

FittyFour · 07-30-2007, 10:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Baby K

She has a big belly but she is not obese, under 133 pounds and 5ft2. She suffers from a little high blood pressure but not startlingly so.

Considering that your mother is just beginning an exercise program, is overweight (belly fat!), and also shows elevated BP, the best course is the conservative course for now. It's taken her years to get here - take the cautious path back.

Weightlifing will cause sudden spikes in BP - even if she is on medication. And BP is an individual thing - slightly high could be more dangerous than you think depending on her overall condition.

(By the way, has she been cleared by her doc to begin an exercise program?)

With the proper use of cardio, she can increase her cardiovascular capacity, elevate her overall fitness and ability to do more in the gym, lose the weight that is probably adding to her elevated BP, increase her confidence, help to change her eating habits, and start her on a positive path to more responsible self care.

There is a place for weightlifting since weight bearing exercise is an important part in helping to maintain strong bones and build muscle that can have a positive effect your mother's quality of life - her outlook, her sense of balance.

She's on the right road - it's ok to start with small steps.

lukamar · 07-30-2007, 10:30 AM

Do you know if the PT did a fitness assessment? Sometimes people will tell their trainer things about their health they will not tell family members. She may have complained of joint ot back pain etc.

While i don't think light weights would probably hurt her, getting her cardio/pulmonary function working better may be the option that is best at this time.

As none of us are there to assess her, you included, it's hard to say what the right way to proceed should be.

Baby K · 07-31-2007, 01:49 AM

thanks for the advice... you're right. Any step is a good step and i don't want to overwhelm her or make her think that she isn't doing brilliantly. Cause she is.

Billy-T-Kidd · 07-31-2007, 02:41 AM

The PT knowing she has high blood pressure is going to start her out slowly. There may be a change in her diet. The cardio and diet change can have a possitive impact on your mothers high blood pressure. When the PT evaluates where she is at, then maybe your mother will be able to hit the weights.