Do you want to start exercising regularly, but don’t know where to start? Or maybe your doctor said you should work in some gym time, but didn’t give lots of specifics?

Never fear! Getting into a regular exercise regimen doesn’t have to be hard or time-consuming.

As a registered nurse working in a cardiac rehab, I encounter a lot of people who have never exercised before. They come to us on a doctor’s recommendation, after experiencing some sort of cardiac event/procedure (heart attack, heart valve surgery, coronary artery bypass, heart failure diagnosis, etc…), and often don’t know where to start.

So whether you’re thinking of taking up exercise to lose weight, feel better, or just overall get healthier, here are some of the basics you should know: