Your heart is the engine that keeps your body moving and functioning. Similar to how you service your car frequently to ensure it works properly, so, too, should you keep your heart functioning well by exercising regularly.
Did you know that regular exercise helps to keep heart diseases at bay? As a muscular organ, your heart loves a workout, which explains why people who exercise regularly are less likely to develop heart conditions compared to those who don’t.
Curious to know which exercises are ideal for your heart? Read on as we discuss the best workouts that will keep your heart healthy.
Walking
We prefer starting with the easiest of them all. A simple walk can make a huge difference in your heart health. And the best part is that you don’t have to walk for marathon distances to improve your heart strength. A simple 20-minute or half-hour walk every other day can help keep you fit and your muscles well stretched. Consistency, however, is vital when it comes to walks. Walking every day can get the job done.
Weight Training
Building your other muscles will have a positive impact on your heart health. Burning fat and building muscle mass will improve your overall conditioning and also improve your heart’s overall muscular capabilities. You don’t have to lift bodybuilder weights to improve heart health. Exercises like push-ups, pull-ups, and even squats can make a huge difference.
Swimming
Swimming is a fantastic cardio exercise guaranteed to improve your heart health. While some people view swimming as a hobby, it is also an effective full-body workout. Again, you don’t have to swim like an Olympic champion to improve your health. A few minutes to an hour is enough to keep your heart muscles active and well stretched.
Interval Training
As a muscle, your heart loves a proper workout. Intensity training is one efficient workout regimen that will get your heart muscles pumping with vigor. You can choose to jog or sprint for three minutes, then walk for five minutes. The start-stop intensity is ideal in developing heart muscles as they pump and relax to keep up with your activities.
Cycling
Keeping your heart healthy is not as hard as people say. You can improve your heart health by participating in typical day-to-day activities. Love cycling? Then why not make it intentional? Set aside some days for cycling across the park or scenic hikes. Not only will this help reduce stress but also help to increase the strength of your heart muscles.
In case you are living with someone suffering from heart disease, then it is crucial to learn how to assist either through helping them with their workouts or administering first aid in the event of an emergency.
Learn how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED) and give CPR by enrolling in our instructor-led CPR training. At Citywide CPR, we provide CPR classes that will help to increase your understanding of how to handle heart conditions and support your loved one to make lifestyle changes.