I’m Jamie Pickett, an AHCS Accredited Clinical Exercise Physiologist with around 10 years of NHS cardiac rehabilitation experience. This is the story of why I started My Movement Medicine and what I hope to build next.

When exercise starts to feel easier, what should you change next? This guide explains how to progress weights, step height, cardiovascular intensity and exercise difficulty without making everything harder at once.

Every movement counts. August’s Heart Mag looks at the refreshed UK physical activity guidelines, My Movement Medicine’s successful National Lottery funding for Hampstead, the recent very hot weather and the expanded timetable beginning 5 October. Every movement counts. August’s Heart Mag looks at the refreshed UK physical activity guidelines and the next stage of My Movement Medicine, including five weekly Hampstead classes from 5 October plus one-to-one sessions, small grou

Walking is one of the most adaptable ways to rebuild cardiovascular fitness and confidence. This guide explains how hard to walk, how to progress, what warning signs to notice and how to build a sustainable programme.

The right footwear depends on your feet, health conditions, walking surface, balance and goals. This guide explains supportive shoes, barefoot shoes, transition advice and how to choose what works for you.

The full Conscious Walking guide includes posture and gait cues, the 10-minute walking awareness practice, safety guidance, a checklist and a 4-week challenge.

Conscious Walking is a simple way to make walking more useful. Instead of walking on autopilot, learn how to notice posture, gait, breathing, foot placement and surroundings.

Want to join or refer someone to My Movement Medicine? This guide explains who the sessions are for, how self-referral works, what healthcare professionals can include, and how to book a trial session.

Stiff hips can affect walking, posture and everyday movement. This gentle standing programme offers six practical stretches to complement cardiovascular, strength and balance training.

UK government physical activity guidelines recommend muscle-strengthening activities at least 2 days per week, and for older adults (and those at risk of falls), balance and coordination work at least 2 days per week. This guide shares a “minimum effective” plan you can actually stick to: two 20–30 minute sessions per week with warm-up, simple strength moves, and MMM Balance Level 1 (supported) or Level 2 (unsupported) drills, plus clear progressions and SMART challenges.

Strength training is one of the most effective “bang for your buck” habits for heart health — and UK national guidelines recommend muscle-strengthening activities at least twice per week. This post gives a simple plan that works: 2 x 20-minute sessions with warm-up/cool-down, safe intensity guidance (talk test + Borg RPE), and clear progressions so you build strength without overdoing it. Ideal for beginners, returners, and anyone who wants a routine that actually sticks.

Exercise after cardiac surgery should be structured, gradual, and confidence-building. This guide explains why Phase 3 cardiac rehab is the best next step, how to structure safe sessions (warm-up, main phase, cool-down), how hard it should feel (talk but not sing), when to stop, and an 8-week walking progression using FITT principles (progress one variable at a time).

Exercise after a heart attack should be structured, gradual, and confidence-building. This guide explains NSTEMI vs STEMI basics, why Phase 3 cardiac rehab is the gold standard, how to structure safe sessions (warm-up, conditioning, cool-down), how hard it should feel (talk but not sing), when to stop, and an 8-week walking plan using FITT principles (progress one variable at a time).

UK clocks go forward on 29 March 2026. That “lost hour” often hits sleep, energy and motivation. This post gives a simple 10-day plan (3 days before + 7 after): keep sessions easy–moderate, use warm-up/cool-down, and prioritise consistency over intensity. Includes beginner and intermediate templates plus SMART challenges to stay on track.

Can music help in cardiac rehabilitation? This guide looks at the research behind music in exercise and coronary heart disease, explains how My Movement Medicine playlists are structured from warm-up to cool-down, and includes key studies on adherence, self-efficacy, and exercise experience.

Resistance bands are a simple, affordable way to build strength at home with controlled effort. This post explains how to use the Push + Pull band plans, how hard it should feel (talk test + Borg RPE), how to structure 2–3 sessions/week, and how to progress safely without overdoing it.

EFL matches are kicking off one minute late (5–9 Feb 2026) to support Every Minute Matters — a reminder that early CPR and defibrillation saves lives. This post explains how to build a “CPR-ready fitness community” with simple steps: learn CPR (RevivR takes ~15 minutes), know where the AED is, and have a basic plan so people act quickly, not perfectly.

“Little by little, a little becomes a lot.” — Tanzanian Proverb Quick take After a cardiac event or surgery, most people can return to regular exercise safely with the right plan. Start light, use longer warm-ups and cool-downs, and guide effort with Borg RPE 6–20 (aim 9–13 at first; progress toward 12–14 when cleared). Build gradually, listen to symptoms, and check in with your cardiac rehab team. Who this guide is for Adults returning to activity after a heart attack/PCI (s

“Small steps, done steadily, become big wins.” — Anonymous Quick take • Bowls (lawn, indoor, or even tenpin) is sociable, low-impact, and adaptable. Great for balance, gentle strength, confidence, and overall wellbeing. • Start after (and alongside) your cardiac rehab team’s guidance. Many people can return soon after a stent/heart attack; after surgery, wait for the breastbone to heal as advised. • Aim for light–moderate effort most of the time (Borg RPE 9–13; occasionally 1

Quick take Most people in cardiac rehab should prioritise non-contact exercise. Full contact and collision sports (e.g., rugby, boxing, MMA, ice hockey) carry higher risks: blows to the chest or head, sudden bursts of effort, and unpredictable impacts. If you’re on blood thinners, have aortic disease, a recent myocarditis, an ICD/pacemaker, or certain cardiomyopathies, full contact is usually not advised. For many, safer alternatives like touch/tag versions, pad-work (no spar