8 Reasons to Exercise for Better Heart Health
February is American Heart Health Month, which is an ideal time to assess your cardiovascular health. Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of Americans and the leading cause of death among women, according to the American Heart Association.
Cardiac screenings can provide a baseline of data for your heart rate, blood pressure and cholesterol. Improving your diet and incorporating even moderate exercise into your regular routine can make a positive impact. It is a great way to begin taking better care of your cardiovascular health or to simply be reminded why it’s so important.
Both the AHA and the American College of Sports Medicine suggest aerobic exercise, such as jogging, swimming or biking, with resistance training for the maximum benefit to prevent and manage heart disease.
Here are eight of the most important reasons you should begin taking better care of your heart today.
- Exercise Improves Circulation
A regular exercise regimen can help boost your blood flow in the heart and small vessels around it. Studies show improvement in these areas may help prevent heart attacks.
- Exercise Lowers Blood Pressure
Healthy hearts function more efficiently, which helps reduce stress on the organ as well as the surrounding arteries. This can lower blood pressure or keep it from rising as you get older.
- Exercise Lowers Cholesterol
Your cholesterol is an indicator of heart health, and exercise can improve it. Studies show it increases the amount of healthy HDL and lowers bad HDL by as much as 10 percent.
- Exercise Manages Weight
Your body burns calories while you work out, which can help you lose weight. Obesity increases risks for developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease and some cancers.
- Exercise Increases Stamina
Regular exercise can boost your endurance by helping your heart perform better under stress and result in you feeling less winded after exercising by helping your body recover more quickly.
- Exercise Boosts the Immune System
Regular exercise improves the overall function of the body to defend itself, according to studies. Those who engage in moderate exercise experience few illnesses and less inflammation.
- Exercise Improves Mood
Hit the gym or your mat to boost your mood naturally. Exercise releases those feel-good endorphins that help improve your mental health, self-esteem and cognitive function.
- Exercise Helps Keep You Independent
Exercising helps you build and maintain your strength so you can live independently. It also helps keep you energized and active so you are able to do all the things you want to do.
Consult your doctor before you begin any exercise plan. Your physician can assess where you should begin provide with nutrition or exercise based on your blood pressure, resting heart rate and cholesterol.
If resistance training is part of your plan, covered exercise bands are safe, durable and effective. Learn more about FitCord resistance bands here or contact us if you have any questions.