Step to the Beat: Post-MI Walking Program

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.

Updated Feb 26, 2026