Exercise After Stroke: How to Regain Strength, Balance, and Cardiovascular Health

In my years of experience as a clinical exercise physiologist, I have worked with hundreds of patients after they’ve had a stroke. One thing that consistently stands out is that while rehabilitation focuses heavily on regaining movement, which is absolutely essential, the exercise needed to build stamina, improve energy, and address cardiovascular risk factors is often left out.

Most stroke survivors receive excellent physiotherapy aimed at restoring function: walking, balance, and the ability to perform daily activities. But very few are provided with structured programs that challenge the cardiovascular system, improve endurance, or reduce the risk factors that contribute to another stroke.