There is no doubt about the many health benefits of exercise among women. Even modest levels of exercise have shown a dramatic ability to improve cardiovascular health among women. There is no complicated formula to follow and no single exercise program that is clearly better than all the others. Exercise can be structured (e.g., yoga class, regular workouts at a gym) or it can be unstructured (e.g., gardening, walking pets, dancing). Even small steps, such as taking the stairs instead of an elevator, can contribute to a more healthy heart. The most important aspect of exercise is consistency rather than intensity.

While it is very important for women to get the proper amount of exercise, it is also important to remember to never begin an exercise program without a physician’s approval.