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The Active Route
Taking Charge of Your Heart Health By Laurie L. Dove
Take an Active RoleEach time you perform a new skill, the brain changes. Branches of neurons or cells connect to other nerve branches, and this allows you to repeat the activity with more ease. This is how good habits like exercise are born, says Dr. Michael Gilewski of Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in a recent report. The more frequently a task is undertaken, the more connections are made by neurons, ingraining the activity in the brain until it becomes a habit. 
To make exercise part of your regular routine and to help prevent heart disease try these suggestions:
- After checking in with your doctor, start exercising immediately. Find motivation by having a friend exercise with you or signing up for a race.
- Start simply. Do an activity that you are comfortable with such as walking. Walk daily at the same time each day.
- Be successful. Because it is easy to give up on a new exercise plan, avoid obstacles and find sources of reinforcement. Make sure to have the proper clothes and equipment. Set modest goals and reward yourself for small accomplishments. At first, focus on increasing the amount of time you exercise rather than increasing intensity or distance.
- Become an expert in your field. Join a training program, get a coach or read books or magazines. Discover different exercises to improve endurance, strength, speed and efficiency. Learn how to prevent injuries.
- Be balanced. Let your body recover from vigorous workouts by following them with easier ones or a day off. Becoming injured from training too hard is a common reason people get out of the exercise habit.
- Be persistent. Avoid exercising if you are sick or injured, but don't let bad weather or a bad mood keep you from your routine.
- Weave exercise into different parts of your life. Spend time with people who share your athletic interests. Help others get started with a workout routine. Reflect on what exercise means to you.
Like any lifestyle change, taking charge of your heart's health takes time. Persistence is the key your heart will thank you for it.