Exercise Makes a Difference

The lack of physical activity is clearly a risk for heart disease. ANY physical activity can make a difference in your overall health and well-being.

Exercise:

• improves circulation, heart, and lung function,

• reduces your risk of heart disease,

• strengthens your heart and a strong heart does not have to work as hard to circulate blood through the body, because it can pump more efficiently,

• increases physical strength and stamina,

• helps most people control their weight, cholesterol, BP, and reduce cigarette smoking,

• is an effective outlet for tension and stress,

• helps you feel better and look better, and

• gives you a better sense of well-being.

How should you begin an exercise program?

• Choose an exercise activity that is convenient.

• Start out slowly (about 15 minutes or less if you get tired).

• Gradually work up to 30 to 60 minute exercise sessions 3 to 5 times a week.

• Each workout should include a warm-up, exercise, and a cool-down period.

• Warm-up for 5 minutes with light activity and stretching

  • A warm-up prepares the body for activity by increasing respiration, heart rate, circulation, and body temperature.

  • A warm-up also reduces the risk of injury during exercise.

• Exercise at a moderate, but not physically exhaustive, intensity.

• As physical stamina increases, increase the exercise period of the workout

• After exercising, allow your body about 5 minutes to cool-down.

  • During cool-down, walk around and do moderate stretching.

• Do NOT stand still or lie down immediately after exercising, as this may cause your heart rate to drop too quickly.

• Keep track of your exercise sessions by recording the type of activity, distance, and duration; and watch your progress grow.

Over the next few weeks and months you should have more energy and look and feel better.

The best time to start an exercise program is now!