Exercise beyond year one

As the years pass following your transplant surgery, you’ll want to continue to follow a program of regular exercise. Your ongoing exercise routine should include 20 to 30 minutes of activity 3 to 5 times a week. Remember, you can also do shorter periods of exercise that add up to 20 or 30 minutes—they are just as good as one longer session.

And always try new activities if you get bored. What’s most important is that you challenge yourself by doing activities that help you stay motivated.

Exercise tips

Create an exercise plan with your transplant team that meets your needs

• Start slow and set realistic goals
• Warm up before any exercise with gentle stretching to help get the blood flowing
• Exercise at your own pace—don’t push yourself
• No activity is too small—take the stairs, park farther from an entrance, walk the dog, or clean the house
• Make sure to cool down after you exercise—stretch and walk at a slow pace
• Check your heart rate regularly—ask your doctor how and when to check your heart rate and what your target heart rate should be while exercising
• Stay hydrated to help restore the fluids lost through exercise—drink 10 to 15 ounces of fluid 10 to 15 minutes prior to exercising, and every 20 to 30 minutes while exercising
• Stay motivated by listening to your favorite music, varying your exercise routine, choosing activities that you enjoy, or working out with a friend or family member

Remember to always talk to your doctor before starting or changing your exercise routine.