There is no doubt that exercise has been my weak spot in my heart attack recovery. I just did not do it at all. I knew darn well that it is a critical component is assuring good heart health. This summer after years of inaction, I made a change and began a weekday exercise routine. Mick, a very successful lapband patient from Atlanta, so inspired me to get off my a** and exercise. Every morning at 5:00 a.m. I am up and on the treadmill for my 30 minute exercise routine. It has become a habit for going on five months. I am a morning person. I know that I could never find the time after work.

Just this past week the U.S. government released its new Physical Activity Guidelines that recommends 30 minutes per day of moderate aerobic exercise.

…Adults gain substantial health benefits from two and one half hours a week of moderate aerobic physical activity or an hour and 15 minutes of vigorous physical activity. Aerobic activity, such as walking briskly, water aerobics, ballroom dancing, jogging, and jumping rope, should be performed in episodes of at least 10 minutes. Increasing aerobic physical activity to five hours a week of moderate activity or two and one half hours a week of vigorous aerobic physical activity, results in more extensive health benefits. Adults should do muscle-strengthening activities, such as weight training, push-ups, sit-ups, carrying heavy loads and heavy gardening, at least two days a week….

My goal for the coming year is to increase the amount of exercise. As mentioned in the government guidelines, I want to add muscle strengthening activities. The trainer, who did my last exercise assessment, took me through a doable training routine. I just need to make it a reality and follow through. The absence of this exercise is why I chose to rate myself a B+ rather than an A.