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.

April is Stress Awareness Month. This Heart Mag issue shares a calm, repeatable plan for heart health: 3 anchors (day starter, movement minimum, evening close), a realistic weekly template, and two SMART challenges for April. It also links back to March’s guides on walking, resistance bands, the clock change, and reducing doomscrolling.

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.

Doomscrolling isn’t just “bad news” — it’s the pattern of scrolling past your own stopping point, often for reassurance or distraction, then feeling worse. This post shares a simple 3-Switch Plan (time windows, no notifications, replace one scroll with movement), plus “move while you scroll” tips and a 5–7 minute posture reset for phone neck and rounded shoulders.

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.

Heart Mag - March 2026 is all about walking. This post explains how to make walking count for heart health using a simple session structure (warm-up, steady walk, cool-down), Borg RPE and the talk test, plus a gradual progression plan that avoids doing too much too soon. It includes a 7-day walking streak and a 4-week base-building challenge.

Falling off track is normal. The fix isn’t guilt or “catching up” — it’s a restart plan. This post shares a 3-stage relapse plan (reduce load, rebuild routine, progress slowly), a 48-hour restart rule, and two SMART challenges to get momentum back 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.

It’s Heart Month. This Heart Mag issue explains 4 key numbers to know (blood pressure, non-HDL cholesterol, blood sugar risk, and waist/weight trend) and gives one simple action for each. It also highlights what’s happening during Heart Month: Walk for Hearts, CPR learning in 15 minutes, and awareness campaigns like Every Minute Matters. Pick one number and one habit — repeat it until it feels normal.

Happy New Year from My Movement Medicine. If you’re working on your heart health in 2026, you don’t need a dramatic reset, you need small steady habits. Start with 10 to 20 minutes a day at a comfortable to moderate effort, then build a simple 12 week routine with strength, cardio, and mobility. If you’d like support, you’re welcome to join us in person or online, free trial options available.

November is the perfect moment to pause, reset and steady the pace. Focus on light–moderate movement, longer warm-ups, simple routines, and stress reduction. Small steps now make December feel calmer and more manageable.

We are incredibly proud to announce that My Movement Medicine has been recognised with two major awards  at this year’s Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals Awards: Health Referral Specialists of the Year 2025 – London Cardiac Rehabilitation Innovation Award 2025 This recognition reflects our unwavering commitment to delivering world-class, evidence-based exercise and health-behaviour support, especially for those recovering from cardiac events and seeking restoration of health, stre

Embracing Change October often brings a shift in the air. The weather cools, days shorten, and nature begins to slow down as we approach winter. For many, this seasonal change can challenge both physical and emotional wellbeing. This month, let’s focus on resilience. It’s about strengthening both your body and mind. Resilience helps you adapt confidently to change. In cardiac rehabilitation, it’s not just about mental toughness. It’s your ability to recover, adapt, and keep m

“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

Monthly theme:  Back-to-Routine Reset (small wins, steady progress, kinder self-talk) - all complete with pictures of my 31 km hike around the Purbecks on the bank holiday - enjoy! Jamie in front of Agglestone rock “It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.”  — Confucius Welcome September is a natural reset. Summer rhythms ease off, routines return, and motivation can wobble. This month’s focus: build momentum with small, sustainable actions  that prote