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Badminton: Safe, Enjoyable Cardio for Heart Health
"Little by little, a little becomes a lot." - Tanzanian Proverb Who this guide is for Badminton suits adults rebuilding fitness after a cardiac event, managing cardiovascular risk factors, or simply wanting a lively, social way to move. If you are in cardiac rehab, follow the plan agreed with your clinical team. Doubles play and short, structured rallies are usually the best starting point. Benefits for heart health Badminton offers short bursts of movement with built

Jamie Pickett
Aug 26, 20255 min read


Hiking for Heart Health: A Comprehensive Guide
Quick Take on Hiking Hiking is more than just a walk; it’s a journey through nature. With proper planning, most individuals in cardiac rehabilitation can enjoy hiking safely. Aim for light-to-moderate effort (Borg RPE 9–13). Build up your stamina gradually. Always include longer warm-ups and cool-downs in your routine. What Counts as Hiking? Hiking encompasses any purposeful walk on trails, parks, hills, or coastal paths. These routes often feature uneven ground, steps, mud,

Jamie Pickett
Aug 24, 20257 min read


Tennis: An Activity-Specific Guide (Cardiac-Safe)
Professional, friendly guidance to help you enjoy tennis safely and confidently. Why tennis? Tennis mixes rhythmic aerobic movement with balance, agility, coordination and reaction time—great for heart health and overall fitness. Doubles is typically moderate intensity , while singles can reach vigorous levels; research classifies doubles ≈ 4.5–6.0 METs and singles ≈ ~8.0 METs (higher demand). At a moderate effort you should be able to talk but not sing (the “talk test”)

Jamie Pickett
Aug 24, 20254 min read


Skiing: Activity-Specific Guide for Cardiac Conditions & Heart-Healthy Exercise
Skiing can build aerobic fitness, leg and core strength, balance, coordination and confidence—while you enjoy fresh air and community. With the right preparation, pacing, and safety steps, many people in cardiac rehab can ski safely. Always agree timing with your cardiac rehabilitation (CR) team before you start.

Jamie Pickett
Aug 22, 20255 min read


Golf: An Activity-Specific Guide for People with Heart Conditions
Professional, friendly guidance to help you enjoy golf safely—whether you’re returning after a cardiac event or starting fresh. Is golf right for me? For most people with heart conditions, golf can be a safe, enjoyable way to stay active: it’s low-impact, social, and naturally encourages walking in green spaces. Before you begin (or return), check in with your cardiac rehabilitation (CR) professional to tailor advice to your condition and medications. If you’ve had open-heart

James Pickett
Aug 21, 20255 min read


Squash: Activity-Specific Guide for heart conditions
Friendly, professional guidance to help you enjoy squash safely and confidently. At a glance What it is: A fast, stop–start racket sport played indoors on a small court. Why it’s great: Big cardiovascular payoff in short sessions; coordination, agility, balance, and leg strength all get a workout. Main watch-outs: Intensity spikes, quick changes of direction, overhead reaches, warm humid courts. “It always seems impossible until it’s done.” — Nelson Mandela Is squash right

Jamie Pickett
Aug 21, 20255 min read


Hot and Cold Therapy for Cardiac Patients: Saunas, Steam Rooms, and Ice Baths
Introduction Hot and cold therapies — such as saunas, steam rooms, and ice baths — have become increasingly popular for recovery, relaxation, and potential health benefits. For people with a heart condition, these activities can offer some advantages, but also carry risks if not approached carefully. This guide provides evidence-based advice on using these therapies safely, with practical tips and considerations for individuals in cardiac rehabilitation or those managing card

Jamie Pickett
Aug 20, 20253 min read


Dancing for Heart Health (Cardiac Rehab–Friendly)
Quick take Dancing is a safe, enjoyable way to build aerobic fitness, strength, balance, and mood. For many cardiac patients it can match the benefits of traditional cardio—with the bonus of music, rhythm, and social connection. Start low, go slow, and use the talk test/RPE to stay in the right zone. “We should consider every day lost on which we have not danced at least once.” — Friedrich Nietzsche Who it’s for / who should wait Great for: people cleared for cardiac rehab o

Jamie Pickett
Aug 19, 20254 min read
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