Hopefully, among your ideas for New Year's resolutions is one aimed at taking better care of yourself - especially your heart. Almost everyone can benefit from regular, light-to-moderate exercise. Talk with your doctor before starting an activity to be sure you are following a safe program that works for you. Your doctor will recommend an activity program to meet your needs. If you have been inactive for a long time, you will be instructed to start with low-to-moderate level activities, such as:

• Walking
  
  
• Taking the stairs instead of the elevator
  
  
• Gardening
  
  
• Housework
  
  
• Dancing
  
  
• Exercising at home
  
  

Begin by doing the activity for a few minutes most days. Your doctor will then increase your activity level, allowing you to work up to a longer program -- for most people, the goal is at least 30 minutes per day, 3 or 4 days per week. This can include regular aerobic activity, such as:

• Brisk walking
  
  
• Jogging
  
  
• Swimming
  
  
• Bicycling
  
  
• Playing tennis
  
  

Source: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/chd/Tipsheets/vfitness.htm

Back to Healthy Lifestyle index page.