Heart failure is a progressive debilitating condition. By increasing activity and performing regular exercise at an appropriate training level, individuals with heart failure can improve physical function and quality of life. There are many benefits of exercise for individuals with heart failure which include improving blood flow to skeletal muscle, decreasing sympathetic nervous system effects on heart rate, blood pressure, and blood flow, improving skeletal muscle efficiency, and improving pulmonary (lung) diffusion. Exercise does not improve heart function in individuals with heart failure. Professional guidance is recommended for individuals with heart failure before taking on an exercise program. Ideally, an individual should begin exercising in a medically supervised environment with staff knowledgeable on exercise and heart failure. If this is service is not available, a consultation with the individual's physician is recommended before beginning the exercise program. Aerobic and anaerobic exercise with individuals with heart failure can be a safe and effective method for improving functional capacity and overall quality of life for individuals with heart failure.