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Pharmacy Links

HELP YOUR ANGINA/EXERCISE: THE IMPORTANCE OF REST

April 2, 2009

Daily exercise is all very well, but rest is important, too. Some people find that exercise helps them to relax and reduce their stress, because they always feel good after vigorous physical activity. However, they must not exercise vigorously every day.

For muscles, including the heart muscle, to get the best out of exercise you should take two days of rest from it every week. Plan your week accordingly for two separate “do little” days between exercises. Professional athletes know this—and it is even more important if you have angina.

Rest is important at certain times in your exercise days, too. Don’t, for example, exercise vigorously for at least two hours after a main meal, or until an hour after a snack. Don’t exercise after drinking alcohol.

If you are ill, don’t try to keep up the exercise schedule, especially if you have a virus infection such as the flu or a cold. As you begin to recover, start with a few easy exercises at home—they will help your muscles to recover faster.

Don’t stick to just one exercise either. Mix your exercises with walking, swimming, cycling, running, golfing, tennis, badminton, or whatever you most enjoy. Keep it moderate, and not too competitive, and learn how to relax.