I have now finished the three-month Phase 2 of Cardio Rehab and have now begun Phase 3. This sounds more impressive than it actually is, Phase 3 simply means I no longer wear a heart monitor when I work out, I can work out on any schedule I choose during the week, and the big difference, I pay for the use of the Cardio Rehab facility instead on my insurance.

At the conclusion of Phase 2 I did another test to determine my improvement level. I increased my metabolic rate by 46%, and increased the distance I went on a Schwinn Air Bike over a six minute period by 30%. The huge difference is in how much better I feel, and the higher energy levels I have, and of course the benefits regular exercise does for my heart.

I attend Cardio Rehab three times per week, for just over an hour and half per visit on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. I begin with a begin with a blood pressure and pulse rate measurement. I start my workout with 2 minutes warm-up on a treadmill, followed by 14 more minutes at 2.7 miles per hour, and incline level 2. This doesn’t work my heart too hard, but gets me warmed up for my additional exercises.

Next I use a rowing machine for seven minutes. This really gets my heart pumping. I follow this with six minutes on an exercise bike, or a SciFit arm machine. Either of these also get my pulse rate up to the recommend exercise rate.

Then, I use a Nustep machine. I set the resistance level to level four, and try to keep my watts at 100+ for 15 minutes, followed by a two minute cool-down where I keep my watts at 60-70.

Next I do a set of four standing stretches, then a series of ten repetitions of four exercises with nine-pound free weights, and finally a series of sitting stretches. I complete the workout with an ending blood pressure and heart rate.

My overall blood pressure numbers have been reduced by my exercising and I am no longer taking any blood pressure medications. And, I feel great compared to how I felt prior to my bypass surgery.

I’m sure you have heard this before from your healthcare providers, but hemodialysis is a stress on your heart.  And if you are not getting any regular exercise, you need to start some type of exercise program to help your heart keep up with the increased stress on it from hemodialysis.  It was difficult to start my exercise program, but now I feel great and plan to continue with it indefinitely.