For Heart Health, Regular Exercise Is Vital
By Stephen R. Farris
You might be wondering why you should be including more cardio activity in your life. The answer is easy; to lessen your chances of developing heart disease, stroke, and/or high blood pressure.
I've heard from some of my friends that work out on a regular basis that they don't need to include cardio exercise in their routine. According to studies, they might want to reassess their thoughts when it comes to heart health. Sure, lifting weights may be a great way to get in shape, but it's not always enough.
Besides reducing your risk of heart disease and stroke, adding cardio exercise to your routine may also help you live longer. Other benefits include:
Weight Management
Just a moderate to intensified cardio workout for about 150 minutes each week can help you maintain your weight. If you're overweight, cardio exercise can even help you drop a few pounds.
Mood
People around us like us better when we're in a good mood. We're more fun to be around. Including a cardio exercise program with your other workouts will actually enhance your mood by producing more endorphins.
There are many cardio exercises you can do to help get you started to better heart health. They range from low intensity to high intensity workouts, depending on where you rank yourself physically, as well as how your doctor or chiropractor may access you. For most people you should start out slow, eventually working your way up to longer or harder workouts. Here are a couple of examples of exercises that will get you started for better heart health.
Power Walking
Power walking is a little more intense than just taking a leisurely walk around the mall, or around the block. While you can still do the around the block thing, power walking is more of a brisk walk designed to get your heart rate up. Some people even include light weights (barbells) while power walking.
Swimming
For one, swimming is low-impact, easy on the joints, plus utilizes your legs, arms, and abs depending on the technique you use. And if it's hot outside, it's a great way to cool off. Swimming not only gets your heart rate going, but you are able to work on breathing techniques as well.
The object of cardio exercise is to get you moving enough to elevate your heart rate more, so talk with your doctor or chiropractor to make sure you're healthy enough to start an exercise routine.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Layton, Utah.