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).

If you’ve had a pacemaker, ICD, S-ICD, or CRT device fitted, careful movement and progressive return to activity are key for safe recovery. In the first 4–6 weeks avoid heavy lifting and overhead arm use on the implant side, keep your wound protected, and gradually build walking and light activity. Long term, most people can enjoy moderate exercise (Borg RPE 9–13) with only a few restrictions.