Find the Right Balance of Exercise and Rest
Loading advertisement...
Preload Image
Up next

Your Self Management Plan

Cancel
Turn Off Light
Watch Later
Auto Next

Find the Right Balance of Exercise and Rest

When you have heart failure, it’s important to find the right balance of rest and physical activity. It’s a good idea to plan rest times during the day. You might take a nap after lunch and put your feet up for a few minutes every couple of hours. It’s also a good idea to plan light, low-level exercise into your day. Exercise has many benefits. It can help:

  • Make your whole body stronger, including your heart
  • Lower your blood pressure
  • Help your body use oxygen better
  • Give you more energy
  • Improve your balance and flexibility
  • Reduce joint pain
  • Reduce stress, tension, anxiety, and depression
  • Improve sleep

Before you decide what exercise to do, ask your care team what they recommend. Here are some other questions to ask your care team:

  • How much should I exercise?
  • Should I avoid any type of exercise?
  • Do I need to check my pulse when I exercise?
  • Do I need to take my medication at a certain time on days I exercise?
  • Should I start a cardiac rehabilitation program? (These education and exercise programs are supervised by trained healthcare providers.)

Whatever you choose, make sure to talk with your care team about what’s right for you.