The key to becoming more active is to progress slowly and gradually. This is especially important if you have not been active on a regular basis, or you have stopped being active due to illness.

Start your program by selecting a simple aerobic activity that you enjoy. An aerobic activity is one that involves moving the large muscles of the arms or legs. A great way to become more active is to start doing activities such as gardening or walking, or resuming hobbies such as fishing or bowling that you may have stopped. As you feel stronger, you can add biking or swimming. For individuals that have difficulty walking or limited lower body movement, find alternate versions of getting in aerobic activity through movements which  use your arms to raise your heart rate instead of your legs. These exercises can include seated aerobics, an arm ergometer  or a NuStep ® machine. Water activities such as swimming, aerobics or water walking are great activities to try especially for low impact activity. Activities such as gardening, golfing, bowling, fishing or housework are ways to stay active in the form of leisure time physical activity, but make sure to schedule time for aerobic physical activity during your day in addition.

Beginning a strength training program can also be beneficial to individuals with heart failure.  Use light weights (two to five pound dumbbells), weight machines, exercise bands or your body weight to reap the benefits. The PAG for Americans recommends strength training that works all major muscle groups two to three days per week.