Physical activity

Maintaining a healthy level of physical activity is vital after your surgery. All activity is beneficial, but the type that is steady, rhythmic and continuous for 20 to 30 minutes (plus warm-up and cool-down) will be the most beneficial to you.

Your long-term goal should be to exercise for 30 minutes, five to six times per week. The type of exercise you choose can be as simple as walking. The walking chart below provides recommendations for a walking program. Stay at each level for two to three days. Progress to the next level when the exercise feels fairly light and you have not had any cardiac symptoms. You should be able to carry on a conversation comfortably while exercising.

Walking chart
Level		Time (minutes)		Frequency
1		5		4 times a day
2		7		3 times a day
3		10		2 times a day
4		15		2 times a day
5		20		1 time a day
6		25		1 time a day
7		30		1 time a day

Exercising safely

After identifying the best activities for you, it is important to pay close attention to your body’s signals as you exercise. Your body will warn you when enough is enough. Listening to these signals will help avoid injury.

Return to after surgery.