Helpful Tips for Exercising After A Heart Attack

As you’re recovering from a heart attack, exercise might be the last thing on your mind. These helpful tips for exercising after a heart attack will get you back in your groove.

Many doctors agree that being physically active after a heart attack is an integral factor in preventing a second one. To get the best results, you just need to know how the right way to get the exercise you need. 

Why Exercise Is Important

Since recuperating from a heart attack entails allowing your heart to heal, it might be hard to grasp how exercise can help. Doesn’t exercise put your heart under stress?

The key to reaping the benefits of exercise, in this case, is to gradually rebuild the heart’s strength over time.

As with any muscle, the right kinds of exercise will positively impact how well your heart works. 

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: Great Exercises You Actually Want To Do

Where To Start

The first step in deciding which exercise routine is right for you is talking to your doctor. Even if you feel like you’re ready to start exercising, your doctor can guide you based on the state of your health.

Some persons actually need to do a form of cardio rehab before launching into physical activity on their own.

In this type of rehab, you work with nutritionists, physical therapists, and other specialists to gain your strength. They’ll take a holistic approach to your health so all aspects of your recovery are addressed. 

From our partner

Do you still have gout symptoms even though you're taking medication? You’re not alone. The Kadence study is a clinical research study for adults with uncontrolled gout. Learn More

Exercises That Can Help

Once you’ve been given the go-ahead to exercise, you have a few options that can work for you. As you work out, move from one to the other or have a mixture of routines to keep things fresh. 

• Walking – This is where most people start as it allows you to go at your own pace. In the beginning, start with short distances such as getting to your mailbox and back. As you build your resilience, you’ll get to the recommended 30 minutes of exercise. 

• Swimming – If you’re looking for a workout without putting undue stress on your joints or back, swimming is ideal. There are different types of classes available that might interest you.

• Biking – Getting an indoor bike can be helpful to keep you active without putting too much stress on you to keep going for a long time. If you go outside, be mindful of the heat and don’t overdo it. 

• Jogging – Those who were active runners before a heart attack will be drawn to do it again but take things slowly. Your heart still needs to get used to being that active again.

• Aerobics – A good aerobics class can work wonders but let your instructor know about your heart condition. It will give them a chance to modify any weight lifting or overly strenuous activities. 

• Yoga – Whether you’ve never been that active or you’re looking for a change, yoga is ideal for gentle strength building. It’s still best for you to proceed slowly so look for yoga practices that aren’t meant to make you break a sweat.

• Strength Training – This is an option for persons who are interested in building muscle overall. Don’t overdo it with the weights, though, as anything too heavy will strain your heart and increase your blood pressure. 

More Exercises That Can Help

• Dancing – A little dancing can be a way to have fun and be active. That doesn’t mean you get to do it all night, however. Just 30 minutes a day is enough to be effective at keeping your heart healthy. 

From our partner

People 16+ years old struggling with lupus: Find out if the PHOENYCS FLY Study may be for you. Study-related care provided at no cost.

• Gardening – Not all physical activity needs to be a typical form of exercise. Working in the garden is a great way to get some exercise while doing something you enjoy. When you’re gardening, avoid the heat as this puts unnecessary stress on your heart.

RELATED: 10 Things You Can Do To Prevent That Second Heart Attack

When To Be Concerned

While you’re trying to get your heart back into tip-top shape, you need to know when things aren’t going well.

If you’re feeling dizzy and nauseated or there’s a pain in your chest, you need to take a break.

Ideally, these feelings should go away when you’re keeping still but feeling persistently unwell is a sign to call your doctor.

Being unable to carry out an exercise program that was easy for you a few days before is also a reason to talk to your doctor.

Depending on how you’re feeling after your heart attack, it might take some time to get to the level of physical activity you like. If you were very active before getting ill, the frustration might be even worse.

These helpful tips for exercising after a heart attack will get you back on track. Regardless, it’s important to follow your doctor’s advice about an exercise routine. You have to maintain a fine balance when keeping your heart healthy after a heart attack. 

Also Check Out: Avoiding These Foods Can Help Prevent Your Next Heart Attack