Becoming Active Step by Step

To get fit, you don’t need to become an athlete. But you do need a certain amount of exercise to improve your heart health. Aim to get at least 30 minutes of brisk exercise on most or, ideally, on all days of the week. As you may be just starting out, you can build up to this goal slowly. If you stick with your goal, you’re bound to succeed. Take It One Step at a Time You may have been active before your heart trouble. Or, perhaps this is the first time you’ve started an exercise program. In either case, ease into your routine. Set small goals, and then build on them. In time, you will be doing enough exercise to improve your heart health. Make Exercise a Daily Habit You will reap the most rewards if you exercise at least 30 minutes each day. This takes about the same amount of time as watching a TV show or going to the market. You don’t have to complete your whole exercise program at once. You can also reach your goal by exercising for 10 minute, 3 times a day. Step Up Your Activity Level Besides doing your exercise program, try being more active throughout the day. This will help you reach your goals. Start by moving more during your daily routines. When doing errands, walk as much as you can. Take on more household tasks or yard work. For fun, chat with a friend while on a walk, rather than on the phone. Visit a local park or go out dancing instead of watching TV. Or book an appointment at Helping Hands to use the gym faciliites with supervision.