Cardiac Rehabilitation: What Are The Best Exercises To Do After Heart Surgery?
Page Last Updated: May 12, 2025
Cardiac rehabilitation programs are a critical, and sometimes overlooked, part of heart surgery recovery. As my 2007 survey showed, only 51% of patients attended structured classes with cardiac rehab exercises during their recovery. In my opinion, that is a shame. I could go on-and-on about the physical and mental benefits of good cardiac rehabilitation programs.
However, I just received a quick question that reads, "What types of exercises do you do at cardiac rehab centers?"
Well... I guess I would have to answers, "It depends." I say that because each facility may have a different approach to strengthening the human body following heart surgery.
However, I can share with you what I experienced at The Cardiac Care Center at Torrance Memorial Hospital in Torrance, California. In fact, I just pulled out my cardiac rehab excercise book. Here is a list of the main exercises I participated in during my three month program after heart valve replacement surgery:
Stationary bicycle
Rowing machine
Elliptical machine
Treadmill
Light weights - 5 to 15 pounds
Arm cycling
The other thing I did to really help my bones and muscles feel better was STRETCH. I was always stretching during my recovery. In the morning I stretched. In the evening I stretched. In fact, it felt so good then, I'm gonna go stretch right now!
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I hope that helps explain more about the different kinds of exercise at cardiac rehab.
Keep on tickin!
Adam
Written by Adam Pick
Patient & Website Founder
Written by Adam Pick - Patient & Website Founder
Adam Pick is a heart valve patient and author of The Patient's Guide To Heart Valve Surgery. In 2006, Adam founded HeartValveSurgery.com to educate and empower patients. This award-winning website has helped over 10 million people fight heart valve disease. Adam has been featured by the American Heart Association and Medical News Today.
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Blog Categories
- Adam's Updates
- Aneurysms
- Aortic Stenosis
- Aortic Valve Repair
- Aortic Valve Replacement
- Atrial Fibrillation
- Before Surgery
- Bicuspid Aortic Valve
- Heart Valve Replacement
- Medical Technology
- Mitral Regurgitation
- Mitral Valve Repair
- Patient Stories
- Pulmonary Valve
- Recovery
- Ross Procedure
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Dr. Christopher Heid is a leading cardiac surgeon at UT Southwestern in Dallas, Texas who specializes in heart valve repair and replacement operations.
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Dr. Christopher Heid is a leading cardiac surgeon at UT Southwestern in Dallas, Texas who specializes in heart valve repair and replacement operations.