A 48-year-old female is evaluated for a new patient visit. She is fairly sedentary but is trying to become more active by joining the local health club. She has noticed she is "out of shape."
Which of the following lifestyle modifications would be most appropriate for this patient to improve cardiovascular fitness?
a) Regular aerobic exercise, such as brisk walking or swimming
b) High-intensity interval training (HIIT) for 30 minutes daily
c) Resistance training with heavy weights to build muscle mass
d) Avoiding physical activity to prevent injury due to her sedentary lifestyle