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Get moving and your heart will be healthier, your blood pressure lower. Exercising regularly strengthens your heart, which helps it pump blood more efficiently. When this happens, there is less strain or pressure on your arteries.
Physical activity also helps keep your weight under control, improves blood cholesterol, boosts your energy, and helps you sleep better.
Start slowly. Consult with your doctor before starting an exercise program. Reduce the risk of injury by warming up and cooling down. Try jumping up and down, marching in place, or stretching.
Walking just 30 minutes five times a week can make a difference in your heart health. And, if it’s easier, break it up. Research shows three 10-minute sessions are as effective as one longer walk.
To reap the benefits of walking, you need to stay on track. It can take up to three months for regular exercise to have an impact on blood pressure. Tips for staying motivated:
- Make a date with a friend to walk.
- Exercise first thing in the morning.
- Keep a log of your exercise to track your progress.
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