Your heart is a muscle. It needs time, effort, and training to avert disease and reduce your risk of a heart attack!
You exercise to get strong, but you should also work to make your heart strong as well! Your heart is a muscle and needs consistent work to stay strong and healthy. You can benefit from as little as 30 minutes of exercise a day. A heart specific benefit to light exercise is increased artery and blood vessel flexibility which helps prevent hypertension and high-cholesterol levels.
Which type of exercise are you looking for? Find your exercise type and try incorporating these workouts into your daily routine. As always, check with a doctor before starting a new routine or exercise, especially if you have a preexisting condition.
Easy on the Joints: Looking to add cardio to your daily exercise routine but want to be wary of the impact on your knees, ankles, wrists, etc.? Brisk walking or swimming are a great way to get the exercise you need without putting strain on your joints. You can also prevent against injury or strain with the right equipment such as shoe inserts. Make exercise fun by walking with a friend or partner. You’ll forget its even exercise!
Get Your Heartrate Up: Looking for more of a challenge in your daily routine? Take it to the next level by using a treadmill or elliptical machine. You can control your speed and intensity and work your way up to a more fast-paced workout. Cycling is also an excellent way to gain endurance while pushing yourself. Know your body and your limits. The great thing about these exercises is that you can work your way through different levels.
Shape it Up: Is your goal to get in shape? That’s still great! Strength training and weight lifting are still important. If you are overweight, you are at risk for diabetes, stroke, and heart attacks. Getting to a healthy weight where you not only feel comfortable in your own skin, but healthier and more energized, is essential to an overall lifestyle change. Try joining a gym with a personal trainer who can show you the correct way to use specialized equipment and provide you with a personalized routine that is right for you.
It’s never too late to build your heart stronger. The best time to start is now! Start your preventative healthcare routine by finding out which exercise works for you and getting to a point where you feel happy and healthy!
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