Exercise For A Healthy Heart

Participating in any type of regular physical activity that gets your heart beating faster will strengthen the heart muscle and help lower the risk of heart disease and stroke, lower blood pressure, relieve stress and reduce the chance of depression. A stronger heart means the blood is pumped more efficiently through the body which also helps increase the “good” cholesterol levels ( HDL) and lower the “bad” cholesterol levels (LDL).

There are many other positive benefits from exercising as well:

• Strengthen your cardiovascular system.
• Improve your circulation and help your body use oxygen better.
• Improve your heart failure symptoms.
• Increase energy levels so you can do more activities without becoming tired or short of breath.
• Increase endurance.
• Improve muscle tone and strength.
• Improve balance and joint flexibility.
• Strengthen bones.
• Help reduce body fat and help you reach a healthy weight.
• Help reduce stress, tension and anxiety.
• Boost self-image and self-esteem.
• Improve sleep.
• Make you feel more relaxed and rested.
• Make you look fit and feel healthy.

If you have been sedentary for some time you should start off slowly. Examples may be to walk up stairs instead of taking the elevator, parking the car further away from your destination to walk that little bit extra or getting off the bus one stop earlier.
Walking or swimming is a good start to exercising. You can commence at your own pace and slowly increase the intensity as you become fitter.
In order to get started on improving the health of your heart it is recommended to work up to 20-30 minutes of aerobic exercise three or more times a week. It is also important to incorporate 1-2 muscle strengthening and stretching activities each week.
“Your body is precious. It is our vehicle for awakening. Treat it with care.” ~Buddha

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