Get back to doing the things you love sooner.These exercises, in turn, give patients the power to reclaim lost abilities and get back to the life they had before the stroke. According to the American Heart Association, exercising after a stroke is a crucial way to improve the following: Cardiovascular fitness Walking ability Muscle strength Flexibility Coordination Cognitive function Mental health Memory Quality of life a full recovery is only possible if you take direct action to reclaim function in the months and years that follow. By following an exercise program that targets specific areas and functions, you can reclaim your coordination, strength, and range of motion throughout your body.