a plethora of health benefits. Most importantly, moderate exercise supports heart health and cardiovascular endurance. A pumping heart is a healthier heart – so let’s get moving!
Start Slow, Make It Easy
This does not mean doing an hour of burpees or running two miles. Exercise just starts with movement. An accessible, free, and beginner-friendly workout is just walking. Although lower intensity, walking is still a great workout that keeps the body moving.
Make It Your Hobby!
But remember that fun activities and hobbies can be exercise too! Make it a family activity by going swimming, going to the roller rink, or finding a biking trail to explore. All of these lower impact exercises can be family-friendly and inclusive. It doesn’t matter where you start or how you do it, but aim for 30-minutes of moderate exercise at least three days a week. Moderate exercise should raise your heart rate for a sustained amount of time.
READ: What Vitamins Should I Be Taking For Heart Health?
Turn Your Home Into A Personal Gym
Working out is also easy to do at home. YouTube makes it painless to find an at-home workout that will get you working. You can find anything from indoor walking workouts, kickboxing, pilates, and strength training. It’s easy to turn your living room into your own personal gym. Don’t forget to stretch, warm up and cool down with each workout. Your body will thank you later!
Don’t Neglect Other Conditions
Congestive heart failure is a scary diagnosis and it may lead you to feel overwhelmed. While CHF is a serious condition, other concurrent conditions still deserve care and attention. Conditions like diabetes, hypertension, arthritis or chronic migraines cannot be neglected.
Remember, the adjustments you are making promote your overall health.
For this reason, eating well and exercising can help with other illnesses or chronic conditions you may also have. Be sure your healthcare professional has an up-to-date list of medications you are currently prescribed. If your physician prescribed a new medicine, make sure to discuss possible drug interactions or side effects.
Living a healthy life with a heart failure diagnosis is within reach. Evaluate your behaviors and habits to make adjustments. Is your daily routine making your heart stronger? Can you modify parts of your diet to make it more heart-healthy? Take the time to be intentional about your health – you, your loved ones, and your body will thank you for it.