Exercise for a Healthy Heart

In this article

• What You’ll Do
• How to Get the Most Out of Your Workout
• Pay Attention to Your Body

How to Get the Most Out of Your Workout continued...

Keep at it. It takes work to start and stick with any new habit. Exercise is no different. But there are ways to boost your chance of success.

• Mark your calendar. Make room in your busy schedule for exercise.
• Find a workout buddy.
• Change up your routine when you get bored.

Use these tips for a great workout:

1. Wait at least an hour after eating a meal before you exercise.
2. Warm up. Ease into your workout by doing the activity at a slower, gentler pace. That helps your heart (and the rest of your body) adjust slowly from resting to working hard.
3. Cool down when you’re done. Gradually slow your pace -- don’t just stop suddenly. Sitting, standing still, or lying down right after exercise can make you feel dizzy or light-headed, or even have heart palpitations (a fluttery feeling in your chest).
4. Sip on water before, during, and after your workout.

 

 

Pay Attention to Your Body

Working out could make your muscles sore at first. That’s normal. The soreness will fade as your body gets used to exercising. But if you have any sudden or severe pain -- or any of the following -- stop exercising right away. If the symptoms continue, call your doctor or 911.

• Chest pain
• Weakness
• Dizziness or light-headedness
• Pressure or pain in your chest, neck, arm, jaw, or shoulder