For people with heart disease, a fitness program is a crucial part of recovery. A study found that lengthy, moderate exercise almost daily is better for cardiac rehabilitation than the standard exercise recommendation of a few short, intense sessions each week. Study participants had coronary heart disease and were overweight, as are 80 percent of people who enter cardiac rehabilitation programs. One group walked briskly for 25 to 40 minutes three times a week while the other walked at a slower pace five to seven times weekly for 45 to 60 minutes. After five months, the slower walkers had lost more weight than the fast walkers, plus they had better blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels and less insulin resistance. In this case, at least, slow and steady wins the race.
Source: Circulation, May 11, 2009

Don’t Forget: People with diabetes should check with a doctor before making big changes to an exercise plan.