Best Exercises for Heart Health
A healthy heart is an active one. Regular exercise can help keep your body and heart strong, which will, in turn, improve your quality of life. Unfortunately, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death globally, so it’s imperative we take steps to prevent it from developing.
Exercise Improves Heart Health
Studies show that regular exercise helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by:
- Lowering cholesterol levels
- Encouraging a healthy blood pressure
- Increasing HDL (good) cholesterol levels
- Improving vascular function
- Reducing inflammation
Any exercise that gets the heart pumping is great for your health, but some of our favorites include:
Aerobic Exercises
By exercising moderately for at least 30 minutes five times a week, you can help keep your heart healthy and reduce your risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Here are some of the best aerobic exercises for cardiovascular health to incorporate into your next workout:
Walking
Walking is an excellent way to promote overall health and well-being. It’s easy to do and doesn’t require special equipment or training. Walking is a great way to begin an exercise routine if you’re just beginning or getting back into exercising.
Running
If walking doesn’t get your heart pumping, then running certainly will. Running (or jogging) is a wonderful way to improve your cardiovascular health and increase your overall fitness level. Just make sure that you start slowly and work your way up to longer distances or faster speeds.
Swimming
If running isn’t in your wheelhouse, but you still want to get your heart rate up, consider swimming. This cardiovascular exercise is great for the whole body and won’t put any unnecessary stress on your joints or bones.
Cycling
If you enjoy being outside, cycling might be a good option for you. Cycling can help improve muscle tone in both your upper and lower body while improving your cardiovascular health. In addition, cycling is a low-impact activity meaning it has the added benefit of relieving strain on your joints and bones. Cycling is especially beneficial to those with arthritis or other joint-related issues.
Strength Training
Aerobic exercises aren’t the only exercises that improve your cardiovascular health. Strength-training exercises can also prove to be beneficial. Incorporating both cardio and strength exercises into your routine can help improve your cardiovascular health, strengthen bones and muscles, reduce the risk of injury or osteoporosis, and maintain flexibility as you age.
Resistance Band Training
If you’re looking for a simple, at-home strength training routine that doesn’t require any weights or machines, resistance band training might be right for you. Resistance bands are relatively inexpensive and can be used to target all the major muscle groups in your body.
Using Free Weights
If you have access to weights, using free weights is another great way to train and improve cardiovascular health. Exercises like dumbbell curls, shoulder presses, and tricep extensions are all excellent exercises to target your upper body and get your blood pumping.
Calisthenics
If you are uncomfortable with lifting weights or don’t have any equipment, calisthenics is an exceptional way to improve cardiovascular health. Using exercises like push-ups, sit-ups, and squats are good ways to target your upper body, core, and lower body while promoting heart health.
Flexibility, Balance, and Recovery
While aerobic and strength exercises are essential for cardiovascular health, don’t forget to focus on flexibility, balance, and recovery. Although balance and flexibility training may not directly impact your cardiovascular health, they may help improve overall fitness and reduce the risk of injury.
Exercises like tai chi or yoga are fantastic ways to improve your flexibility and may even help reduce stress, which negatively impacts your cardiovascular health. In addition, stretching and using a foam roller after your workout can promote recovery and prevent injury.
Contact Kardic Health Today
Kardic Health is devoted to delivering a whole-patient approach to integrated cardiac care and. If you are looking for ways to improve your heart health, our expert cardiologists are here to help.
