Patient Education Caring For Your Heart Booklet | Page 13

 Complete warm-up exercises before
each walking session and cool-down
exercises after each session. These
exercises are on pages 15–16. The
warm-up will slowly increase your
heart rate. The cool-down will allow
your heart rate and blood pressure to
slowly return to their resting rates.
 Walk on a fl at surface at fi rst. This is
easier for your heart. Walking uphill
takes more effort and energy.
 Avoid extreme temperatures. Do not
walk outside if it is less than 40°F or
more than 80°F. Try walking in the
mall if temperatures are too extreme
outside. Pace yourself.
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