The exercise patients choose must be appropriate for their physical capabilities. For example, swimming might be the best choice for patients who have foot problems, and weight lifting at a gym might not be appropriate for patients who have cardiovascular disease. Let the patient, though, decide what is best. Skills-based activities such as golf may not lead to permanent change unless patients previously enjoyed the activity. Above all, focus on fun to help keep patients engaged in their activities.
Social support introduces the element of accountability into exercise patterns.
Going public with the commitment to exercise is important. Patients should be urged to tell people who care about them about the exercise plan so that they can routinely ask their loved ones about their progress. Linking exercise to measurable health parameters can help patients maintain their exercise resolve. Physicians can help patients link physical improvements to exercise. Keeping an exercise log is useful if it helps patients to monitor how they feel and allows them to track and observe improvements in their pulse and blood pressure.