Get Active

Major surgery is like running a marathon – and both require training.

We want to help you train your body for cardiac surgery.

Improving your current levels of fitness before operation will help minimise the health risks after surgery and help you recover more quickly.

We will work together to optimise your fitness before surgery.

Get active and enjoy these benefits:

  • Have more energy
  • Feel more relaxed, sleep better
  • Have better concentration and memory
  • Feel more confident

Please discuss with your GP or surgeon exactly what is safe for you to do.

Some examples of different exercises are listed below.

Aerobic exercise:

  • Moderate/ brisk walking
  • jogging
  • swimming
  • cycling

Warming up exercise:

  • Marching on the spot for 3 minutes
  • Alternate heel digs for 1 minute
  • Alternate knee lifts for 30 seconds
  • Slow walk/ jog/ cycle/ swim increasing speed up to 5 to 10 minutes

Stretching exercise:

  • Hamstring stretches held for 10 to 15 seconds
  • Calf stretches for 10 to 15 seconds
  • Inner thigh stretches held for 10 to 15 seconds.

Remember you can spread the total activity across your day

If you feel unwell or experience severe breathlessness or dizziness, please stop, refrain from any further activity, and consult your GP.