Physical activity is important to maintain optimal health and fitness. Exercise can both improve the quality of your life, as well as avoid health problems related to a sedentary lifestyle. After surgery, there is a recovery period in which you are encouraged to limit your activity. A short time into your recovery, it is generally recommended that you make a point to move around your home and slowly increase your activity level to include short walks. If you are new to physical fitness, it’s important that you don’t shy away from exercise, as it starts as simple as an increase in your level of activity. Think about it as simply being more active. Your new activity habits can be practiced at certain times, which you can call exercise sessions, or trainings.

In consultations with your doctor, fitness professional or physical therapist, you will probably need to develop an exercise program that suits your needs and abilities. A typical exercise program will likely include aerobic or cardiovascular activities, which speed up your heart rate and breathing. It should also include some kind of flexibility training to enhance your joints’ range of motion. The last component is strength training, to make your muscles stronger so they can support you better. As time passes by and you fully recover, you will need to start exercising and thinking about physical therapy to target specific concerns.  Learn more about how exercise and physical therapy can help you recover and maintain optimal health.