Can I Exercise With a Pacemaker and/or a Defibrillator? Safety, Benefits, and What You Need to Know

For people living with pacemakers or implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs), exercise can feel intimidating—or even off-limits. But the truth is, when done correctly, physical activity is not only safe for most people with these devices but also vital to long-term health and quality of life. With the proper guidance and understanding of how these medical devices interact with exercise, individuals can build confidence and improve both cardiovascular function and overall well-being.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the essentials of exercising with pacemakers and defibrillators, why heart rate monitoring is crucial, how equipment and medications can affect your outcomes, and the key safety considerations that every patient—and clinician—should know.