Author: Ajay Mhatre, M.D., FACC

As a Phoenix cardiologist by way of Florida, I’m quite familiar with heat. For many of my patients, the heat of a Phoenix summer is enough to discourage exercising outdoors… or, perhaps, even enough to discourage exercise of all kinds – indoor or outdoors.

While going out for a jog on a hot Phoenix day isn’t for everyone, I do encourage my patients to take some form of exercise. Study after study continues to link cardiovascular exercise with better heart health. Coronary artery disease and blocked arteries are a few of many conditions that may be improved through exercise.

Phoenix Cardiologist’s Exercise Tips for Better Heart Health

If you’re having trouble getting started in an exercise routine, I hope you will consider one or more of these motivating tips.

1. Get a partner. Exercising with a friend can make the time spent walking go by so much faster. If your schedule or home/work location doesn’t allow for exercising with a friend, then consider downloading an audiobook or a podcast series that you can listen to as you walk. When you make your exercise time about something else besides exercise – whether that’s a conversation or a great book – it can be much more enjoyable.
2. Cut yourself some slack. Most people who burn out on an exercise plan do so because they set unreasonable expectations and then become frustrated or feel guilty when they fail to meet the expectations set for themselves. Everyone fails in maintaining their exercise schedule at one point or another. When it happens, don’t force yourself to do overtime in order to catch up – just prioritize your commitment for the next time.
3. Treat yourself. Lastly, provide yourself incentives at certain milestones. It can take a while to see the major results of exercise. So, give yourself little motivators throughout your exercise plan, like a special meal or outing.

Schedule Your Appointment With a Cardiologist in Phoenix

Do you want to learn more about how you can start exercising for better heart health? Schedule an appointment with a Phoenix cardiologist at Phoenix Heart Center today to find out what options may be available to you.

Please consult with your physician before undertaking any form of medical treatment or adopting any exercise program or dietary guidelines.