The 3 Best Exercises for Heart Health
There’s about a billion different reasons people exercise. Some do it to get totally shreddedddddd. Others do it to shed a few pounds. There are some who do it to relieve stress. While others are trying to live a little healthier.
Although few, we assume, do it for heart health. But the truth is, your heart is the most important muscle in your body. Sorry biceps, but we’d like to see you supply blood to every cell in the human body!
The point is, your heart deserves some attention in the workout department. And certain exercises can improve blood flow, lower blood pressure, and ultimately reduce your risk for heart disease.
That’s why we connected with our friends at Virtua Health, who have a nationally recognized cardiology program, to talk through the best exercises to strengthen your heart.
1. Walking
Walking is the best in every way possible. Walking can lower cholesterol levels, reduce blood pressure, and boost overall energy. Not to mention, walking is a super-easy way to reduce stress and enhance your emotional well-being.
And just in case those reasons aren’t enough – when compared to running, walking is way less demanding on the body.
2. Yoga
At its core, yoga centers around relaxing your mind, body, and spirit. Which goes a long way in relieving stress, a major cause of heart disease. Plus, yoga helps with flexibility, making other exercises more achievable!
3. Strength training
Strength training can help raise good cholesterol while reducing the bad ones. It also helps decrease your risk of having a heart attack or stroke. Plus, some of the best strength training exercises can be done in the comfort of your home! So think pushups, squats, pull-ups, and lunges.
The heart team at Virtua Health suggests spending at least 150-minutes a week doing moderate exercises. But if you have a history of heart disease, it’s important to check with your doctor to develop a workout plan that works for you. Get started by connecting with Virtua today!