Top Ten Heart-Healthy Exercise Tips

Calendar May 10, 2010 | Posted by Raulerson Hospital

Exercise is one of the best ways to fight heart disease-and many other medical conditions. Starting an exercise routine can be tough, but it’s worth the effort. Check out our top ten tips for heart-healthy exercise.


  1. Start out slow. Give your body a chance to adapt to your new, heart-smart lifestyle. Begin with ten to fifteen minutes of light exercise each day. Gradually increase the length and intensity.
  2. Listen to your body. Other physical conditions may impact your ability to do certain activities. Heed your body’s signals-and consult your doctor before beginning any exercise regimen.
  3. Incorporate different kinds of exercise. The best blend combines aerobic exercise, strength training, and balance exercise. This mix improves stamina and helps protect the body from injury.
  4. Pick an enjoyable activity. Hate running? Hit the trails on your bike or do some laps in the pool. Find exercise options that are both enjoyable and healthy.
  5. Involve family and friends. Contribute to the health of the whole brood and make exercise a family affair. Make it a ritual to work out together a few times a week. A quick game of basketball or a walk around the neighborhood builds closeness and improves health.
  6. Switch it up a bit. Even the most dedicated athletes need an occasional change of pace. Try a new activity, like yoga or tai chi, to add variety to your workout routine.
  7. Follow the FIT formula: Frequency, Intensity, and Time. Work on increasing all these elements slowly over time. The goal: 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week.
  8. Push your heart. Your heart gets the most benefit when your heart rate exceeds 50% of its maximum rate. Don’t go too gung-ho, but a little push does the body good.
  9. Count the small stuff. Daily activities like gardening, vacuuming, and walking for pleasure all qualify as exercise. Think of these activities as “bonus workouts” for your heart.
  10. Kick the habit. Smoking affects cardiopulmonary health, which impacts the body’s performance. Meanwhile, smoking itself also contributes to heart disease and many other illnesses.


For more heart-smart workout advice, visit Raulerson Hospital online. If you have questions about cardiovascular or cardiopulmonary health, or would like a free referral to a local doctor, call 1-866-4-HCA-DOCS.



About Raulerson Hospital

Message from Our CEO In 2010, Raulerson Hospital celebrates 31 years of service to Okeechobee and the surrounding areas. We are a 100-bed acute care facility, providing a full range of medical and surgical services performed by caring compassionate physicians and staff who take a team approach to treat you like family. Whether you need a simple health care question answered, an outpatient procedure, physical therapy or major surgery, Raulerson Hospital is here to provide you with exceptional care. Our dedicated staff is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to serve you. In August 2009, our Radiology Department opened the doors to our new MRI Unit, which houses a state-of-the-art GE 1.5T MRI System. This new MRI offers a faster, more comfortable exam for patients with clearer and sharper images for physicians. The GE 1.5T MRI also provides Breast MRI studies for mammography follow-up, with no compression for enhanced patient comfort and greater patient peace of mind. Raulerson Hospital is one of the only all-digital facilities in the State of Florida accredited by the American College of Radiology in all five modalities (CT Scan, MRI, Ultrasound, Nuclear Medicine, and Mammography). As our community grows, Raulerson Hospital will: Continue to recruit new physicians and offer the latest technology and services in order to provide a full spectrum of medical and surgical services. Continue to improve patient safety through the use of best practices, improved technology, and increased patient involvement in their healthcare. Continue to be committed to treating all patients with courtesy and respect, and to make your hospital stay as safe, secure and comfortable as possible. Continue to strive for healthcare excellence in our goal of exceeding your expectations and ensuring that you will recommend us to your family and friends for their healthcare needs.
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