Exercise is important for heart health. However, do you know how much exercise is enough? It’s recommended that all adults get at least 2.5 hours of aerobic activity each week.

Check with your doctor first

If you haven’t exercised much before, you may not know where to start. It’s a good idea to check with your doctor before starting a program or increasing your activity level.

Start with 10–15 minutes at a time

Even short bursts of activity can help your heart. Physical activity can actually lower your blood pressure by as much as some medications. It can also increase your levels of good cholesterol. To start, aim for a minimum of 10 minutes of exercise at a time.

Make short workouts count

Regular aerobic exercise strengthens your heart. Here are some examples:

• Biking
• Walking
• Dancing
• Water aerobics

You can also get physical activity from your everyday routine. This includes gardening, house cleaning or washing your car. Be creative and focus on moving more.