How physical activity benefits your heart health
Did you know that being physically active is one of the best things you can do for your heart health? In fact, regular physical activity can help reduce your risk of heart disease and other cardiovascular problems. Keep reading to learn more about how physical activity benefits your heart health, and find out how you can get started today!
Benefits
Here are some of the ways that regular physical activity benefits your heart:
1) Helps keep weight under control, which reduces the risk of obesity and related conditions like high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes, all of which increase your risk for heart disease
2) Makes the blood less likely to clot, reducing the risk of a stroke or heart attack
3) Reduces stress levels, which can trigger unhealthy behaviors like smoking and overeating, both of which are major contributors to heart disease
4) Keeps the arteries elastic and flexible, preventing them from hardening and narrowing
Get Started
Beginning a new exercise routine doesn’t have to be daunting. Any physical activity is better than none. Start small by walking around your neighborhood or going for a swim and slowly adding more time to your activity. Even gardening can be a fun physical activity to begin. Find an activity that you enjoy and make it a part of your routine. Switching up your activities throughout the week can prevent you from getting bored with the same activity.
Track Your progress
Tracking the progress you make can be motivating to do more. There are many tools to help you track your progress. Some of the tools you can use are a journal, a smartwatch, phone apps, a pedometer.
Although the research is clear that physical activity has a plethora of benefits, only about one-third of American adults meet the recommended guidelines. If you’re looking for an excuse to get moving, consider this: increasing your physical activity may also increase your lifespan and improve your overall health. Ready to start?
Visit our website to schedule a stress test or meet with a cardiologist today
*If you have a chronic (ongoing) condition, such as heart disease, lung disease or diabetes, talk to your doctor about whether you can do physical activity. Ask your doctor which activities are safe for you.
