Workout Ideass

I was wondering if anyone knew of a great way to burn calories (quick) without doing cardio.  I was an avid runner the past six years until I was recently diagnosed with POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome) and I am now unable to run or do any sort of cardio.  I'm looking for some sort of exercise that will give my body the same benefit running does.  Any ideas?

lift weights?

Original Post by crazydiamondchrysalis:

lift weights?

 Lifting weights is cardio.

oh.  so I got nothin'.

Because few people are going to be familiar with POTS, it might help to explain what that means. I think you said on another post that it has to do with your heart rate going up and causing you to faint?

If so, I'd be worried about lifting weights since that definitely will get your heartrate up, as will most exercise. Maybe walking? Slow swimming?

I have POTS, too. Triggers can be different for different people, but the orthostatic part of the syndrome is a lightheadedness/fainting associated with a change in body position, like standing up too quickly. The body doesn't redistribute blood nearly as efficiently as it does in other people, causing a battle of low/high blood pressure, is how my doctor explained it to me.

I would say, try what you can (walking, gentle jogging) with no more than moderate effort paying special attention to your bodily cues. Feeling too hot is a trigger for me. If I start to get short of breath or see spots, I stop. I think swimming (without the diving) was a great idea. How about pilates? You're basically seated most of the time. I know it's not what we think of when we think of cardio, but it makes me work!

Swimming would be my suggestion.  If you feel your heart rate going up, you can always slow down and just kick for a few laps.

If the problem is fainting or feeling light headed during cardio type exercise, then I'm not sure swimming would be a good idea.  I'd hate to faint in the pool.

Maybe just walking or hiking at a moderate pace? 

Has your doctor given you any ideas of how to cope with this at all?  Have you been told to avoid exercise altogether?

One thing to consider is seeing if you can find an online forum or user group for other folks who have the same condition.

It must be very frustrating indeed to be unable to enjoy your previous level of activity. 

If I had a tendency to pass out, I'd be careful about swimming. Taking a walk in beautiful surroundings might be the best thing ... (mile for mile walking burns as many calories as running)

Brisk walking. I believe it to be the best, easiest, most interesting, most convenient way to burn calories fast. I've known runners who have at first scoffed at the idea, but then swear by it. Try it. You'll see.

Wow everyone thanks for the great advice! I think I'm coming to start with walking (I used to racewalk throughout high school) and see how that works out for me.