Exercise for a Healthy Heart:V

How Can I Avoid Overdoing Exercise?

Here are a few guidelines to keep yourself from doing too much exercise or exercising too vigorously:

• Gradually increase your activity level, especially if you have not been exercising regularly.
• Wait at least one and a half hours after eating a meal before exercising.
• When drinking liquids during exercise, remember to follow your fluid restriction guidelines.
• Take time to include a five-minute warm-up, including stretching exercises, before any aerobic activity and include a five- to 10-minute cool-down after the activity. Stretching can be done while standing or sitting.
• Exercise at a steady pace. Keep a pace that allows you to still talk during the activity.
• Keep an exercise record.

How Can I Stick With Exercise?

• Have fun! Choose a type of exercise that you enjoy. You'll be more likely to stick with it if you enjoy the activity. Here are some questions you can think about before choosing a routine:
• What physical activities do I enjoy?
• Do I prefer group or individual activities?
• What programs best fit my schedule?
• Do I have physical conditions that limit my choice of exercise?
• What goals do I have in mind? (For example, losing weight, strengthening muscles, or improving flexibility)
• Schedule exercise into your daily routine. Plan to exercise at the same time every day (such as in the mornings when you have more energy). Add a variety of exercises so that you do not get bored. If you exercise regularly, it will soon become part of your lifestyle.
• Find an exercise "buddy." This will help you stay motivated.

Also, exercise does not have to put a strain on your wallet. Avoid buying expensive equipment or health club memberships unless you are certain you will use them regularly.