If you want to make your heart stronger and healthier, focusing on cardiovascular fitness is important. This helps you address both your heart and lungs, and is often done by jogging, running, swimming, or aerobic style activities.

However, there are a number of ways to increase this type of fitness, and finding the one that works for you is important. Whether you hike, bike, dance, or do something else, staying active and giving your heart a workout is the key.

Find the Activity You Like

Getting moving and staying active is easier when you’re doing something you enjoy. In general, almost all movement is good movement, and much better than sitting still or lying on the couch. You might not enjoy running or jogging, for example, but maybe you like to swim.

If you don’t enjoy going to the gym, you don’t have to do that either. You can lift weights at home or do body weight exercise. You can even dance in your kitchen or work out to a YouTube video. The goal is to choose something you like, because then it’s fun and doesn’t feel like work. You don’t have to drag yourself through it or force yourself to get exercise, and you get all the heart health benefits at the same time.

Get a Checkup Before Starting

Ian Weisberg and other medical professionals recommend getting a medical checkup before starting any exercise program. While most beginner exercises are fine for the majority of people, you don’t want to take a chance on getting injured.

In the unlikely event you have a medical issue that you’re not aware of, you also want to catch that and get it treated before you start being active, in case that could cause the problem to get worse or lead to other issues.

Build Up to Increased Activity

One of the most important things to remember about getting active to help with heart health is that you don’t have to jump into a big workout routine right away. Dr. Ian Weisberg recommends walking and light weights as good starting points, since they’re easy things that most people can do.

You can build up to a more comprehensive and more difficult routine over time, but just getting started and being consistent will make a lot of difference. Also, make sure to fuel your body properly with good nutrition, as that’s better for your heart and will make your workouts easier, as well.