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NHLBIHIN
Your Heart Your Life
A Lay Health Educator's Program
Learning About Heart Health
 Español  Teaching Heart Health  Your Heart Your Life Home
 Welcome
 Reviewing Risk Factors
 Part 1: Benefits of Physical Activity
 Part 2: Types of Physical Activity
 Part 3: Important Things to Know
 Part 4: Finding Time to be Physically Active
 Part 5: Walking
 Part 6: Staying Motivated
 Review of Key Points
 Closing
Coming Soon, Watch for other heart education topics

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Doña FelaPart 3: Important Things To Know When Getting Started

Here are some other things you need to know before starting to be physically active.

Start slowly. Build up the time and effort that you put into any activity. You should not be tired the next day.

Drink plenty of fluids before and after exercising, even if you are not thirsty. Drink water. Special sports drinks are not needed.

Wear comfortable clothing. Wear shoes and socks that give your feet support. You do not need to buy fancy outfits.

Never wrap your body in plastic or wear clothing that is too heavy. This will not help you lose fat, but it can:

  • Make you sweat too much.
  • Make your body temperature rise.
  • Make your heart beat too fast.
  • Make you sick to your stomach.
  • Cause you to pass out.
  • Cause damage to your organs.

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Archived page, reproduced from a 2006 copy. It is reference material, not current guidance.