Thanks. I'm making progress. The first day I got the ellipitcal trainer, 2 minutes sent my heart rate to 145 bpm. Now I do 8 minutes a day, and my heart rate just reaches 130. I'm taking it slow, adding a minute per week.
Congratulations on returning to an active lifestyle. As you know, 50% of end of life deaths are caused by heart attack or stroke. Sedentary lifestyl, nutrition and smoking are the three behaviors most closely linked to heart attack or stroke. So, by making the decision to become more active, you have given yourself a healthier profile
First, I would suggest revisiting your physician to have him give you a clean bill of health since you had a sedentary lifestyle. It sounds like you are quite familar with taking your pulse rate. At this point, your heart tone is diminished and your heart will accelerate quickly with minimal exertion, however this will improve with persistence.
After your physical resume your regimen with a focus on gradual improvement of endurance. But also, as we age our flexibility diminishes. So flexibility should be focused on as well. Youre target heart range after you have been cleared is (220-your age) x .85
You are not too old to increase your strength, flexibility endurance or efficiency. In fact, since you are so out of shape-it will be more likely that you will have a steep curve of improvement with some concerted effort.
Good luck and Best of health
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