HOW HEART DOCS STAY IN FIGHTING SHAPE

The everyday habits and easy hacks of seven experts in cardiovascular awesomeness. BY JULIE STEWART

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IN THE GOOD intentions vs. reality smackdown that is everyday life, reality usually hits you with the low blow. A rough night’s sleep. A stressful week at work. One of those months when you dined out more than you worked out. Surprise: All this stuff happens to cardiologists too—and they know how it can lead to weight gain, lost sleep, hardened arteries, and heart disease. But they also know how to pivot. Here are some of their go-to plan B strategies.

THE PROBLEM

NO TIME FOR THE GYM

THE FIX: PUSH THE INTENSITY

If I can't do a full workout, I go for four to five minutes of highintensity intervals (30 seconds effort, 30 seconds recovery) on whatever equipment is available, such as a treadmill, stationary bike, rowing machine, or elliptical, plus two sets of compound exercises, like squats or pushups. If I'm away from the gym, I'll do the intervals outside, alternating running with steady jogging. These microworkouts offer many of the same cardiovascular benefits as longer sessions-ideal for busy days.

THE PROBLEM

LOTS TO DO, NO TIME TO EAT

THE FIX: GRAB A BETTER SNACK

I would rather skip a meal than grab fast food or frozen processed food. You can always get a banana at a gas station.