Exercise training improves functional capacity and reduces clinical symptoms in patients with coronary artery disease. However, such patients are at increased risk for cardiovascular complications during exercise; therefore, appropriate safeguards should be employed to minimize these risks. Based on the documented benefits and risks of exercise for patients with coronary artery disease, it is the position of the American College of Sports Medicine that most patients with coronary artery disease should engage in individually designed exercise programs to achieve optimal physical and emotional health.