Lifestyle Changes

Heart Healthy Exercises

Physical activity and regular exercise play a major role in maintaining a healthy heart. But what are the best exercises for your heart? According to Hopkins Medicine, resistance training and aerobic exercise are the most beneficial to your heart.

Resistance training is an effective way to reduce body fat and create lean muscle mass. Examples of resistance training include free weights (dumbbells), resistance bands, and exercises such as pushups and sit-ups. At least two nonconsecutive days per week of resistance training is recommended.

Aerobic exercises can help improve circulation which can lead to lower blood pressure and a lower resting heart rate. Aerobic exercise can also help improve cardiac output (how well your heart pumps). Examples of aerobic exercise are walking, running, and swimming. Thirty minutes per day for at least five days a week is recommended.

Lastly, make time to stretch regularly. While stretching does not directly impact your heart health, it does help your body maintain a level of physical fitness that enables you to do continued resistance training and aerobic exercises.

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