What kind of sports will be appropriate?

[Yvonne]

My hubby and I wonder about doing something sportive. Because we live close to many golfcourses we are thinking about taking golf lessons. I think this will be a good way to exercise in the future, walking maybe 9 holes and hitting a ball from time to time. Before, when we lived in the Netherlands, there was no opportunity to do this, so we thought this will be our change. My only worry is will it be a good sport for a 'heartpatient'? My EF is almost 40% now, but I don't know if there are other reasons to avoid playing golf.

[carrob]

Yvonne,

I have had no problems with doing anything with my EF of 40%. I even pick up a tennis racket from time and time and hit the courts. Just trust your instincts. I think you'll be fine......just watch the heat and humidity and rest when you need to.

[Karen T]

I think Carla is right, trust your instincts. You will know when it's "too much" for you to handle. There are many variables to consider as well, the weather, what else is going on in your life (stress??). I think it would be wonderful to find something that both my husband and I enjoy and can participate in together. Enjoy!

[SerenaWelsh]

Yvonne,

Golf is a wonderful activity for the heart patient. It's so easy to pace yourself. Just don't become so avid that you're out in extreme heat or cold...and don't get so serious that you give yourself a stroke when you miss a putt. ;)

And every now and then, remind me of my own advice.

[melissamph]

Yvonne........I love to play golf. I used to be a Tennis Pro and thought I better get back into shape before I try that again and in the mean time I took golf lessons and I fell in love. Like Serena said....what the extreme temps. Have a blast! Fore!!!!

[momoftwoboys]

Golf sounds like a good sport to take on if you're looking for a slow-paced/not too active sport. I don't see why it would be a problem. I just like to walk, play with the kids (that's the biggest sport or activity right there) and do a little bike riding. I tried jogging a few months back and I was fine during the activity, but had terrible palpatations for a long time afterwards. So, yeah, I would say to go for it and don't kick your hubbies butt too bad :D .

[Yvonne]

Hi All,

Thanks for your encouraging replies, I can't wait to start playing golf!

Before PPCM I used to play tennis, did aerobics, skiing, cycling, running, skating. Now I thought it will all be too much for me (I'm always afraid for straining my heart too much), but after your replies I think I will try some more. But first I will start with golf, because it is a wish for many years for use to do a sport together (babysitter is just arranged).
So I'm gonna hit the balls!!

[SarahsMom]

Yvonne,

Hey, I'm a golfer (23 handicap), I LOVE the sport, my husband and I met on the golf course. It's a very good sport for the heart....you can walk, there's always challenging hills to climb. My husband and I get out and play at least once a month, you do need to get a sitter as it takes at LEAST 4 hours to play (at least in Atlanta, courses are usually packed on the weekends). It's a sport that can be VERY frustrating...but stick with it, there's nothing better than a beautiful day on the course with a couple bloody mary's in the morning and hopefully a few birdies here and there!

Enjoy!!!!

Kari

[Natasha]

Glad to hear that you're going to golf! I can still do anything that I did before diagnosis. Don't stop with golf. Continue to try more strenuous exercise (with doctor's approval) a little at a time and see how it goes. I pretty much feel like I can do anything I want! You have a 2nd chance at life now. Use it to its fullest!