Fitness Advice You Should Take to Heart
By Brandi Goodman
February's American Heart Month is the perfect time to pick up a new fitness routine. Exercise is necessary to boost heart health and keep the organ functioning to the best of its ability. Take this fitness advice to heart so you can keep your heart working well.
Find an Aerobic Exercise You Enjoy
Aerobic exercise is the type you need to truly boost your heart. It can lower your blood pressure, improve circulation, and keep your heart pumping efficiently. Don't pick something you hate that feels like a chore. It will make it difficult to accomplish the full workout, let alone to continue doing the exercise regularly for life. You need to find an aerobic exercise you enjoy that you have no problem continuing. Take a daily swim. Go for a run. Jump on the treadmill as you watch your favorite show. There's an option for everyone.
Don't Forget Strength Training
Strength training focuses on building muscle. You may not think this part is necessary for your heart, but it is. The more strength and stamina you build, the better you can exercise in general and maintain a good workout pace. You need to get stronger if you have any hope of maintaining an aerobic exercise plan and boosting your heart health.
Work Out With a Friend
A healthy heart isn't always about exercising and eating right. Your heart can suffer from loneliness and mental struggles as well. After all, these struggles often result in feelings of anxiousness, stress, and increased blood pressure, all of which can impact the heart. Work out with a friend so you can stay motivated to exercise as well as have that time to socialize. You'll benefit from having a workout buddy in many ways.
Try High-Intensity Interval Training
Sometimes, we can push the heart too hard during exercise. Instead of giving it your all and going hard during the entire workout, it's better to try a high-intensity interval training method. Say you plan on running. Warm up nicely and then run at full speed for a good minute. Slow down to a jog for a minute, and then run at full speed again. Now, walk for the next interval. These times of slower-paced movements can help your body recover a bit before pushing ahead again. It can ensure your heart isn't pushed to its limit too quickly, allowing you to exercise longer and gain more benefits.
American Heart Month shouldn't be the only time you take this advice. Get a heart-worthy workout regimen started now and continue exercising for life. Your heart, mind, and body will all benefit.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Anderson, S.C.