7 Heart-Healthy Resolutions for a More Active 2026

Your heart health is no joke. Cardiovascular failure is the top cause of death around the world.  With 2026 here already, it’s time to take a good, hard look at your lifestyle and make some resolutions that can positively affect your heart health. 

At West Houston Heart Center in Houston, Texas, Dr. Humayun Naqvi and his team specialize in preventative cardiology. Here are some ideas for New Year’s resolutions that can keep your heart healthy in 2026 and for many years to come.

1: Move

Movement is key. A lot might be better than a little, but a little is better than nothing. Whatever level of movement you’re currently at, start by adding 10 minutes for positive heart effects — even if you’re just house-cleaning with vigor. Try high-speed vacuuming to loud music; it’s more fun than you might expect.

2: Walk

Brisk walking is a good place to start if you’re unaccustomed to exercise. Go as long as you can at first, then maintain that target for a week before increasing by five minutes. In a couple of months, you'll be walking up to an hour a day.

3: Run

If you’re younger and relatively fit, running may be more your speed. You can alternate fast walking with bursts of running, dropping back to a walk when you tire. Again, increase your stamina over time. You might even want to run some mini-marathons.

4: Buddy up

Sometimes dragging yourself out for your walk or run can feel like a chore. Having a buddy go with you can help keep you accountable. Choose a pal with two feet or four to go with and you’ll have a much more interesting time.

5: Get wet

Swimming or water aerobics is easy on your knees and other joints, but you can still get your heart rate up. Check local community groups for classes, and look for an indoor pool so you can participate year ‘round.

6: Switch up smoke breaks

A solid fourth of cardiovascular-related deaths have smoking as a factor. You don’t have to give up your work smoke break. Just trade your tobacco for an alternative and find some stairs to go up and down for your allotted ten minutes every few hours. 

7: Hike a hill

After you’ve gotten a little stamina under your belt, you can up the ante with a little more vigorous workouts. Hiking up a hill is a great way to increase your heart rate. The best part? It’s that the way home is all downhill once you’re good and tired.

Worried about your heart health, but having trouble getting into a workout routine? We can help. Call us at 832-400-3957, or request an appointment online.