Exercising with heart disease
Physical activities are good for your ticker, but always choose one that suits your interests and lifestyle — and check with your doctor first
Many people with heart diseases feel they are forbidden from any kind of exercise. As the heart is a muscle just like any other organ in our body, regular exercise makes it stronger and more productive, increasing our overall health.
With cardiovascular exercises, the heart improves its efficiency of pumping blood throughout our body, resulting in improved blood circulation as well as lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
The right routine
Daily exercise does not mean killing yourself on a treadmill for hours at length. Your heart health can be improved with just 30 minutes of exercise, five times a week. Choose an exercise that you enjoy doing. Otherwise, you will find it difficult to adhere to a routine and make it a sustainable part of your life.
If you enjoy walking, swimming or dancing, then try to implement these into your weekly exercise plan. You should be choosing exercises that you can see yourself doing one month, six months, or one year from today. Trying to get too complicated and trying to do too much will backfire and likely make you lose motivation.
If you are new to exercise, or coming back from a long time off, then it is important to start slow and build yourself back into it. Don’t stress and shock your body from day one. Pick an exercise, a weight or an intensity that is suitable enough for you and will challenge your ability level. The more consistent and confident you become, the more intense you can make your exercise. Start slow, build up over time and be consistent.
Along with cardiovascular training such as walking, swimming and cycling, it would be beneficial to add at least two strength sessions to your training a week. Heart patients who do strength training three times a week can build up their aerobic capacity along with increasing strength and flexibility. Other benefits of strength training include weight loss, reduced back pain and even reduction in symptoms of diabetes and osteoporosis.
When doing resistance training, make sure you choose a weight that doesn’t put too much stress on your body and ensure you are giving yourself sufficient rest between sets. If you are not confident with resistance training, then seek a fitness professional who can guide you through a training programme and teach you the correct technique to avoid any injuries.
See a doctor
As heart conditions vary in severity and limitations, it is very important to consult a doctor before you begin any training program. If you ever experience symptoms of chest pain, fainting or unusual shortness of breath make sure to stop exercising immediately and seek emergency medical care.
— The writer is Head Coach and Location Manager for Vogue Fitness’ Al Raha branch