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Library
Cardiac rehab

Rhythm Ride: Interval Cycling for Phase 2 CR

Progressive interval cycling program for Phase 2 cardiac rehab, enhancing cardiovascular fitness through alternating effort and recovery sessions.

Phase: II
Functional level: Moderate, High
Risk: Low
Clinical Review & Alignment

Created and peer-reviewed by practicing cardiac rehab clinicians:

  • Chad Glover
    MS, ACSM-CEP, CCRP
  • Claudia Giacalone
    MS, ACSM-CEP, CCRP, ACSM-EIM 3

Aligned with current evidence-based guidelines from:

AACVPRACSM
Designed as a clinical reference framework. Intensity, volume, and exercise selection should be tailored to individual patient needs.

Program overview

This program is designed for phase 2 (outpatient) cardiac rehab patients with a moderate-to-high functional level and low risk, ready for structured exercise. It emphasizes aerobic conditioning to improve cardiovascular endurance, using a stationary bike at an intermediate progression level. Delivered in an in-clinic/supervised CR setting, it serves adults (18-65), helping you boost stamina through interval cycling with alternating effort and recovery under supervision, preparing you for long-term fitness.

Stationary Bike
Increase endurance, Cardiovascular health

Exercise program details

Breakdown and suggested frequency

Workouts for Weeks 1-2
Gentle cycling intervals with varied efforts and recovery to build baseline endurance.

  • Intensity: RPE: 11-13, HRR: 30-50%
  • Frequency: 3-5 sessions/week
  • Duration: 30-40 min

Workouts for Weeks 3-4
Moderate intervals with increased duration and intensity to enhance aerobic capacity.

  • Intensity: RPE: 12-14, HRR: 40-60%, building to RPE: 12-15, HRR: 40-70%
  • Frequency: 3-5 sessions/week
  • Duration: 40-50 min

Workouts for Weeks 5-6
Higher intensity intervals with shorter recovery to build cardiovascular strength.

  • Intensity: RPE: 13-15, HRR: 50-70%, building to RPE: 15-16, HRR: 50-80%
  • Frequency: 3-5 sessions/week
  • Duration: 50-60 min

Workouts for Weeks 7+
Sustained high-intensity intervals with balanced recovery to maintain aerobic fitness.

  • Intensity: RPE: 13-16, HRR: 60-80%
  • Frequency: 3-5 sessions/week
  • Duration: 50-60 min

Design Rationale and Notes

  • Target Intensity: Clinicians should use their clinical judgment when prescribing target intensity ranges and should have understanding of the following:
    • RPE <12 is equivalent to < 40% HRR
    • RPE 12-13 is equivalent to 40-59% HRR
    • RPE 14-16 is equivalent to 60-80% HRR
  • Alignment with AACVPR/ACSM Guidelines: This Phase 2 program starts with moderate-intensity intervals (RPE: 11-13, HRR: 30-50%) and progresses to higher intensity (RPE: 14-16, HRR: 60-80%), aligning with outpatient aerobic goals for moderate-to-high function. Frequency (3-5 sessions/week, favoring 3) and extended duration (30-60 min) support endurance gains, with 5-min warm-ups (RPE 10-11) and 5-min cool-downs (5 min cycling + 5 min stretching, RPE 10-11) meeting 5-10 min prep/recovery standards.
  • Program Breakdown Adherence: Weeks 1-2 use steady continuous to gentle intervals (30-40 min), Weeks 3-4 increase duration/intensity (40-50min), Weeks 5-6 push sustained efforts (50-60min), and Weeks 7+ maintain high efforts (50-60min).
  • Optimal Number of Workouts: Three workouts per block provide variety, with 5 elements (warm-up, two effort levels, cool-down, stretches) ensuring comprehensive engagement. Durations (30-60 min) and effort lengths align with intermediate Phase 2 expectations.

Updated Jun 4, 2026

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Preview the 13 exercise plans
Fully preview all of the exercise plans in this exercise program before adding it to your Train account
P2 Wk1-2: Gentle Interval Build
P2 Wk1-2: Gentle Interval Build 36 min · Cardio, Legs
P2 Wk1-2: Easy Cycle Intervals
P2 Wk1-2: Easy Cycle Intervals 35 min · Cardio, Legs
P2 Wk1-2: Steady Cycle Start
P2 Wk1-2: Steady Cycle Start 31 min · Cardio, Legs
P2 Wk3-4: Moderate Cycle Push
P2 Wk3-4: Moderate Cycle Push 35 min · Cardio, Legs
P2 Wk3-4: Interval Endurance Base
P2 Wk3-4: Interval Endurance Base 47 min · Cardio, Legs
P2 Wk3-4: Strong Cycle Intervals
P2 Wk3-4: Strong Cycle Intervals 35 min · Cardio, Legs
P2 Wk5-6: Intense Cycle Boost
P2 Wk5-6: Intense Cycle Boost 52 min · Cardio, Legs
P2 Wk5-6: Endurance Interval Peak
P2 Wk5-6: Endurance Interval Peak 56 min · Cardio, Legs
P2 Wk5-6: Powerful Cycle Build
P2 Wk5-6: Powerful Cycle Build 51 min · Cardio, Legs
P2 Wk7+: Sustained Cycle Power
P2 Wk7+: Sustained Cycle Power 57 min · Cardio, Legs
P2 Wk7+: Advanced Interval Hold
P2 Wk7+: Advanced Interval Hold 51 min · Cardio, Legs
P2 Wk7+: Confident Cycle Peak
P2 Wk7+: Confident Cycle Peak 63 min · Cardio, Legs
Cool-Down Stretches Routine
Cool-Down Stretches Routine 5 min · Legs, Rehab
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Browse programs using filters, preview the full set of workouts, then add a program to your Train account. Each program is designed as a structured reference framework – use it as a starting point and tailor intensity, volume, and exercise selection to your patients and setting.
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Our cardiac rehab programs are created and peer-reviewed by practicing clinicians. You’ll see clear attribution on each program page so you know exactly who was involved in its design and review.
What guidelines are these programs aligned with?
Cardiac rehab programs are developed in alignment with current AACVPR and ACSM guidance. The goal is to provide structured, evidence-informed foundations that reflect real-world clinical practice.
Are these programs meant to be used exactly as written?
They’re designed as reference frameworks, not rigid protocols. Most teams adapt details to match patient capacity, risk level, equipment availability, and internal workflows.
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Definitely. We actively prioritize new programs based on clinician feedback. If there’s a care setting or patient population you’d like to see supported, let us know via chat.
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Our team is available via in-app chat. Whether it’s a workflow question or feedback on a program, we’re happy to help.
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