cardiac rehab?

Yesterday I was to start cardiac rehab. On the way to the lab at Logan Regional Hospital I received a phone call from the lab. The caller told me that Medicare would not cover any work they did with me because my last echo-cardiogram showed an ejection fraction of 50+, where 50-75% is considered normal. Apparently one's heart has to be less than efficient at no more than 35% on this variable. If I wanted to continue it would cost me about $150 per session. Since I was only 2 min away by that time we agreed that I would come in and they would provide me with information.

They were very helpful. In the discussion I really found out that I should restart the exercise program that I was doing before the pneumonia(s) commenced last fall. And it involved the usual: an aerobic component (walking; cycling), an anaerobic component (building muscle tone and new muscle), a balance component (standing on one leg), and stretching for a cool down.  In other words pretty much what any complete fitness program would like you to do.  And, of course, I could do that anywhere. So I returned to where I was working out last fall and did some light cycling, some light lifting, just to ensure that I hadn't wasted the morning. (It felt good!)

The only extra benefit, it seemed to me of the cardiac rehab lab was that all the rehabers were remotely wired to a front computer console so that the staff could monitor heart function in each. I would be working out without this feedback.

They also suggested that I start at about 60% of my max heart rate for the aerobic work. Max HR is 220 less one's age, for me, 220 - 77 = 143. 60% of that number is about 86.  Well, I had trouble keeping my HR down to that level during the cycling component of my workout. It wanted to float around 100 and that was doing a lot less than I am used to. I usually set the effort level at easiest (to start) and then pedal around 60 rpm. To keep my HR down I had to reduce that to around 40 rpm. Didn't feel like much of a workout at the time. I only did 10 min. On all of the weight bearing exercises I did a single set at much lighter weights than usual.

Today I feel a bit more tired than usual. And I don't have any serious muscle pulls or pain suggesting yesterday's workout level was about right for starters. 

Onward: a new chapter begins, getting fit once more. 

My only fear now is a return of pneumonia this fall following allergy season.