Posted by u/kettlebell_queen·3 days ago·Cutting

Recovering from a Heart Attack While Cutting? Need Advice!

TL;DR: Recovering from a heart attack while cutting down weight. Currently 155 lbs aiming for 145 lbs, just hit a PR with kettlebells. Seeking advice from anyone who has experience balancing recovery and cutting.

I'm a 35F who has been training with kettlebells for about 4 years now, and I just faced one of the biggest challenges of my life, a heart attack. It was scary, and it made me realize how important it is to listen to your body. After some recovery time, I'm back to lifting, but I want to focus on cutting as I work towards my fitness goals.

I started my heart health journey weighing 165 lbs, and I'm currently at 155 lbs, aiming for around 145 lbs. I've been incorporating high-intensity kettlebell workouts along with a balanced diet to support my recovery. My goal is to maintain muscle while cutting down on body fat. I recently hit a PR of 24 kg for my kettlebell swing, which felt amazing! My endurance has improved, but I'm still cautious about how hard I push myself. It's a delicate balance.

I'm also documenting my progress with photos since I think it's helpful to see tangible changes. If anyone is going through similar recovery or trying to cut while still building strength, I'd love to hear your tips and experiences. I want to be smart about my approach, so any advice on what worked for you would be greatly appreciated!

Here's to progress and making the most out of our health journeys! 💪

7 comments

Comments

u/gym_noob·3 days ago

What's cutting? I'm just getting into all this, but your story is really inspiring! Do you count calories or something? I feel like that would help, right? 🤔

u/kettlebell_queen·3 days ago

Recovering from a heart attack is a huge deal, and it's amazing that you're back at it with kettlebells! I really admire your determination. Cutting while trying to maintain muscle can be tricky, but it sounds like you're on the right path. Focus on your protein intake to support muscle retention, and don't shy away from healthy fats. They can help with hormone balance during a cut! Also, listen to your body; if something feels off, don't push through it. Your health comes first!

u/lifting_granny·15 hours ago

That's impressive progress, especially hitting a PR after everything you've been through! Just make sure you're not overdoing it. As we get older, recovery becomes even more important. I always suggest incorporating lighter days or even active recovery to give your body a chance to heal while still staying active. Those kettlebell swings can be tough on the joints if you're not careful. Take it slow when you need to!

u/grandma_gains·3 days ago

You're such an inspiration, and I love seeing how you've turned a tough situation into a motivating story! I remember when I had a health scare in my 50s. I started with light weights and gradually worked back up, which helped me feel stronger mentally and physically. If you're comfortable sharing, how are you tracking your workouts and nutrition? I found journaling really helpful for staying accountable!

u/balance_seeker·19 hours ago

It's great that you're focusing on cutting while also prioritizing your heart health. I'm a big believer in mindfulness, so try to pay attention to how your body feels during workouts. Sometimes, just shifting your focus to form rather than weight can make a huge difference. Also, consider incorporating some low-impact cardio, like walking or cycling, to help with fat loss without putting too much stress on your heart.

u/crossfit_nope·3 days ago

Honestly, kettlebells are great but they aren't magic. Cutting requires a solid diet too, not just swinging weights around. If you're not tracking what you eat, you might struggle to lose fat. There are apps like MyFitnessPal or Cronometer that can help. I've seen people cut like crazy just by tracking their macros right. It's not all about workouts.

u/snackattack_23·3 days ago

Okay but like, I get you on the heart attack recovery, but cutting sounds super intense. Have you thought about doing something like intuitive eating instead? Sometimes just listening to what your body needs can be way better than strict cutting. I keep my snacks healthy and cheap while in college, and it's helped me feel less stressed about food. Just a thought!