Written by: Alyssa Lokensgard | Program Manager at Capella Tower Health Club | AdvantageHealth Corporation
February is National Heart Health Month. There are many reasons why to exercise the heart and ways to exercise the heart.
First: The importance of exercising the heart.
Exercise can help the heart with its normal functions like improving circulation, lowering blood pressure, and managing weight. Regulating an exercise routine can lessen the risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes, maintain a healthy body weight, and reduce inflammation throughout the body.
Second: Different ways to exercise the heart.
American College of Sports Medicine and the American Heart Association both recommend combining resistance training (moderate weightlifting) and aerobic training (swimming, running, biking) together. Optimizing these forms of exercise together will provide the greatest benefit of lowering the risk for heart disease.
Final Takeaway: The heart is a great place to start!
The general guidelines include combining aerobic and resistance training. Aerobic training (swimming, running, biking) can be included for 30 minutes at a time at least 5 days a week. Resistance training (moderate weightlifting) can be included twice a week to help build muscle including all major muscle groups.
Sources
The John Hopkins University (2023, January 5). Exercise and Heart | Johns Hopkins Medicine Retrieved From https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/exercise-and-the-heart
The John Hopkins University (2021, August 8). 7 Benefits of Exercise | John Hopkins Medicine Retrieved from https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/7-heart-benefits-of-exercise
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