Go Search

Ease Into Exercise

Exercise is a proven way to control your risk factors for heart disease tooltip and help maintain overall mental and physical health. By making exercise a regular part of your daily routine, you can enjoy any or all of the benefits below:

  • Strengthened heart and lungs
  • Improved circulation
  • Increased endurance
  • Lowered blood pressure

Talk to Your Doctor

Always check with your doctor first before starting an exercise program. Your doctor can help you find a cardiac rehab program that matches your level of fitness and overall health.

Here is a list of questions to ask:

  • How much should I exercise every day?
  • How much exercise is right for me each week?
  • What kind of exercise do you recommend for me?
  • Are there activities I should avoid?
  • Will taking my medication have any impact on how or when I exercise?
  • While exercising, should I check my pulse?

Tips for a Successful Exercise Program

As you begin exercising, consider these tips to help make your cardiac rehab program a successful one.

Take it slow
It's great to be enthusiastic about exercise, just don't get carried away too soon. Work with your doctor to determine what level of exercise is right for you.

Keep it fun and comfortable
Why not get your exercise doing something you like? It could be working out at the gym, walking, dancing, biking, or even working in the yard or garden. To make exercise even more enjoyable, try wearing loose, comfortable clothes, and supportive footwear. Try listening to your favorite music while you exercise.

Get some support
Finding an exercise "buddy" is a great way to keep motivated. Even when no workout partner is available, you can still look to friends and family for support and encouragement. All you have to do is ask.

Mix it up
Identify a variety of activities you enjoy and switch between them on a regular basis. That way you'll avoid the risk of exercise seeming boring or stale.

You can also get your exercise while doing household chores like vacuuming, dusting, and mowing the lawn.

Create a schedule
Even the best fitness program is worthless if you can never seem to fit it into your day. Find the best location and most convenient time to plan your workout. Then make it a priority by writing it into your daily schedule. Of course, there will be times when you can't keep your exercise "appointment." When that happens, just get back on track the next day.

Note your success
Note your exercise activity, so you can track your progress and success. When you achieve a milestone, do something to reward yourself. You should enjoy the good job you're doing.

Go by the numbers
It's a lot easier to exercise properly and measure your progress when you know two important numbers: your body mass index (BMI) and your target heart rate. BMI is a measure of your weight scaled according to your height. Learn more about BMI from the American Heart Association site. You can determine your target heart rate by monitoring your pulse while exercising. Your target heart rate is a range that stays within 60% to 85% of your maximum heart rate.

Click here to read about the value of reducing stress.