Exercise Is Your Heart's Best Friend

By Donna Stark

There may be a lot of things in the news that catches you off guard, but the benefits that exercise has on your heart shouldn't be one of them. Your heart is a muscle, and just like all the other muscles in your body, the best way to keep it healthy and happy is to exercise it regularly, and the best way to do that is through cardio workouts. Cardiovascular exercise strengthens the heart, helps it pump more efficiently, lowers blood pressure, and reduces the risk of heart disease and future complications. Essentially, it is your heart's best friend. So don't you think it's time to schedule some playdates between the two?

Best Friends Forever

We all know how important it is to maintain relationships and friendships with those we love and the same can be said for exercise and your heart. This is one relationship that you definitely want to nurture but it isn't always easy to do so, is it? Life can get in the way, pain can stop by for an extended visit, and motivation can suddenly jump up and go AWOL. Fortunately, there are several different ways to get your cardio workout in so you shouldn't have a problem fitting it into your schedule. Take a look at a few of them below.

Walking

When life becomes super-busy and time is more precious to you than anything, you may want to choose a daily walk for your cardio. Walking can be done anywhere and at any time. It can even be broken up into "mini-walking" sessions throughout your day, so there is little room for excuses. Get those steps in and get your heart pumping!

Swimming

If pain decides to be a guest in your body, swimming may be your best option for an invigorating cardio workout. Swimming is an exercise that provides many benefits to your heart and body, and it does so without the risk of further pain or injury that typically comes from high-impact fitness routines.

Running

Experienced runners know how much this type of exercise can benefit the heart, but that doesn't mean you need to have years of running behind you. Newbies can reap the benefits too! Just be sure to stretch properly and start slowly. You certainly don't want to hurt yourself right out of the gate!

Strengthen the Friendship, Strengthen the Heart

It's time to schedule some play dates with your heart and exercise! Aim for at least 30 minutes a day, remember to stretch before you start your workout, and don't forget this very important tip ... cardiovascular exercise is about health, not winning a medal, so as long as you are up and moving, you are doing a good thing!

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Denver, Colo.