Walking, swimming, cycling, rowing, cross country skiing are the exercises that provide the greatest benefit to the heart & circulation, both in terms of prevention and treatment. This requires a mild, constant effort.

While walking, the blood flow returning to the heart increases as the veins of lower limbs contract, and this leads to a series of benefits:

- it helps stabilize the heartbeat, preveting arrhythmia.
- it protects against arteriosclerosis.
- It helps to prevent heart attacks and angina. Indeed, under medical supervision, it is an essential exercise for people recovering from these disorders.
- it stabilizes blood pressure, and is therefore benefecial for people with low and high blood pressure.
- it reduces harmful (LDL) levels, while increases good cholesterol (HDL) levels.
- it prevents blood from accumulating in lower imbs, especially in the case of varicose veins. It also prevents chilblains, helps to combat phlebitis and edemas, and, under medical supervision, forms part of treatment indicated for intermittent claudication (limping).
- since it improves the blood flow to the lungs, it can help protect against respiratory infections.