February is about affairs of the heart… both emotional and physical. But the best gift you can give your loved ones for Valentine’s Day is a healthier you.
Regular exercise can strengthen your heart muscle, keep your weight under control and fight high blood pressure. And it doesn’t mean you have to become a gym rat.
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, three types of exercise can get or keep your heart healthy and it’s never too late to take exercise to “Heart.”
- “Your Treadmill is Calling” Aerobic Exercise
No surprise here. Hit the treadmill or go for a walk. The American Heart Association says something as simple as a 30-minute walk five times a week… can keep your ticker, well… ticking.
Aerobic exercise improves circulation which lowers your blood pressure and heart rate. And it’s not just walking or running… try swimming, biking or jumping rope.
- “Pick it up” Resistance Training
Working out with free weights such as kettle bells or dumb bells will help change your body’s composition… more muscle, less fat. You can also use your body as a weight… doing push ups, squats or chin ups. Pick up a couple days a week, of picking up some weights!
- “Be Flexible” Stretching & Balance
Stretching isn’t going to make your heart stronger, but keeping your muscles and joints long and strong will help you maintain a regimen of aerobic exercise and resistance training. Flexibility and balance will also help prevent falls and other injuries.
Check out a yoga class or something similar a few times a week. There are plenty of yoga apps that can walk you through a daily routine!
So love yourself and get ready to get your heart healthy!