How to Get the Exercise You Need

Optimally, you should get at least 2 1/2 hours of moderate-intensity activity (or 75 minutes of high-intensity activity) plus two sessions per week of strength training that engages all major muscle groups.

Here’s how to build a safe—and fun—heart-healthy routine.

Types of Exercises

Try to get a combination of aerobic (cardio) exercise and muscle strength training.

Aerobic exercises are those that make you breathe hard and get your heart pumping. They provide an energy boost and are terrific for heart health. Muscle-strengthening exercises are important for balance and bone health. Both types of exercise burn calories.

Aerobic or cardio exercises	Stength training exercises
Brisk walking, jogging or running Swimming, water aerobics or Aqua Zumba Cycling Aerobic/dance-style classes Playing tennis or basketball Cross country skiing or snow shoeing	Lifting free weights or barbells Using resistance bands to stretch and strengthen muscles Sit-ups, push-ups and planks Yoga, Pilates or tai chi Workouts that engage your core Kettlebell workouts

How to Avoid Overdoing It

Most people can safely exercise without any special medical evaluation. If you have chest pain, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, previous heart attack, heart failure or another form of heart disease, talk to your doctor before starting an exercise program.  

Exercise safety tips:

• If you’re new to exercise, start with shorter or less-intensive sessions and work your way up to five or more 30-minute sessions per week.
• Train your body and ramp up gradually before doing harder exercises.
• Before and after each workout, warm up/cool down with lighter exercises and stretches.
• Stay hydrated throughout your workout (if you have heart failure, ask your doctor about how much water you should drink).
• Learn your target heart rate and how to monitor your pulse. Research shows wrist-worn heart monitors aren’t always correct, so it’s best to learn how to check your pulse yourself.
• Listen to your muscles. It’s normal to feel some mild soreness after exercising, but it shouldn’t be too painful.
• Avoid exercising outside in extreme cold, heat or humidity, or on days with high levels of air pollution.

“Breathless with exercise should be gauged by the breath test,” says Andrew Freeman, MD, director of clinical cardiology at National Jewish Health in Denver. That means exercising to a level during which only a few words can be said.

“Anything more should be scaled back or signals you should seek a physician’s input. If you are feeling short of breath and turning pale, having chest pain or getting lightheaded, then exercise needs to stop. You may need to seek urgent care,” Freeman says.

Remember, if you have a heart condition or are recovering from a cardiac event, talk with your health care team to find the right routine for you.