Exercise for a Healthier Heart

You may wonder how you can improve the health of your heart. If you're thinking about exercise, you're on the right track. You don't need to become an athlete, but you do need a certain amount of brisk exercise. To help make exercise a habit, choose safe, fun activities.

Exercise with a friend. When activity is fun. you're more likely to stick with it.

Why Exercise?

Exercising regularly offers many healthy rewards. It can help you do all of the following:

• Improve your blood cholesterol levels to help prevent further heart trouble

• Lower your blood pressure to help prevent a stroke or heart attack

• Control diabetes, or reduce your risk of getting this disease

• Improve your heart and lung function

• Reach and maintain a healthy weight

• Make your muscles stronger and more limber so you can stay active

• Prevent falls and fractures by slowing the loss of bone mass (osteoporosis)

• Manage stress better

Exercise Tips

Ease into your routine: Set small goals. Then build on them.

Exercise briskly each day: You get the most good from exercising briskly for at least 30 minutes daily.

Step up your daily activity level: Along with your exercise program, try being more active throughout the day. Walk instead of drive. Do more household tasks or yard work.

Choose one or more activities you enjoy: Walking is one of the easiest things you can do. You can also try swimming, riding a bike, or taking an exercise class.