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Cardiac Rehabilitation: What Are The Best Exercises To Do After Heart Surgery?

Written By: Adam Pick, Patient Advocate, Author & Website Founder
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!

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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