Step to the Beat: Post-MI Walking Program
A supervised cardiac rehab walking program for adults post-heart attack, gradually building endurance and confidence through gentle aerobic exercise and stretching.
This program is designed for Phase 2 (outpatient) cardiac rehab patients post-myocardial infarction, targeting adults (18-65) with low functional level and low risk. It focuses on aerobic training to build endurance, with dynamic warm-up movements and cool-down stretches.
This program requires no equipment (except a chair) at a beginner progression level. Delivered in an in-clinic/supervised setting, it progresses from short, supported walks to independent walking, helping you regain strength and confidence safely.
Exercise program details
Clinician notes: Patients with CHF/ICM may need to progress at a slower rate with the focus on RPE to gauge intensity while monitoring symptoms and BP responses. Patients with a higher functional capacity or those that rate the exercise as too easy may increase beyond 59% HRR and beyond 14 RPE to achieve desired intensity.
Suggested frequency
Weeks 1-2
- Intensity: RPE: 9-11, HRR: <30-39%
- Frequency: 3 sessions/week
- Duration: 10-15 min
Weeks 3-4
- Intensity: RPE: 10-12, HRR: ~40%
- Frequency: 3 sessions/week
- Duration: 15-20 min
Weeks 5-6
Each workout is at a moderate intensity and includes both aerobic and resistance training into the same session.
- Intensity: RPE: 11-13, HRR: ~50%
- Frequency: 3 sessions/week
- Duration: 20-25 min
Weeks 7+
- Intensity: RPE: 12-14, HRR: 50-59%
- Frequency: 3 sessions/week
- Duration: 25-30 min
Design Rationale and Notes
- Alignment with AACVPR/ACSM Guidelines: This Phase 2 program meets outpatient standards for low-function, low-risk post-MI patients, progressing from RPE 9-11 and HRR 30-39% (Weeks 1-2) to RPE 12-14 and HRR 50-59% (Weeks 7+). Frequency (3 sessions/week) and duration (10-30 min) align with aerobic training goals, with warm-ups (3 min, RPE 8-11) and brief cool-down stretches (30 sec, RPE 8-9) fitting prep/recovery norms for low-intensity efforts.
- Program Breakdown Adherence: Weeks 1-2 start with short walks (10-15 min) and support, Weeks 3-4 extend duration (15-20 min), Weeks 5-6 reduce support (20-25 min), and Weeks 7+ sustain moderate walking (25-30 min). No-equipment design matches outpatient needs per the spreadsheet.
- Kirill Shumilov, MS, CEP
- Claudia Giacalone, MS, ACSM-CEP, CCRP, ACSM-EIM 3
Disclaimer: Clinicians should review this program carefully to ensure its appropriateness and safety for each individual patient before assigning it.
Updated May 5, 2025
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