Exercise and Heart Health
Exercise and Heart Health
February is the perfect month to showcase red, a color of passion and vibrance. Another reason that might not come to mind immediately is the connection to our heart health. At Grand Fitness, we’re focusing on how exercise and healthy lifestyle choices positively affect the heart.
The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes per week of vigorous aerobic activity or a combination of both. Regular exercise helps combat high blood pressure, heart attacks, strokes, and many other chronic diseases. Although the recommendation is 150 minutes, or 30 minutes per day for five days per week, just 15 minutes per day can return similar results.
Benefits to regular exercise and direct links to heart health include:
- Lower risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, dementia and Alzheimer’s, several types of cancer, and some complications of pregnancy
- Better sleep, including improvements in insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea
- Improved cognition, including memory, attention and processing speed
- Less weight gain, obesity, and related chronic health conditions
- Better bone health and balance, with less risk of injury from falls
- Fewer symptoms of depression and anxiety
- Better quality of life and sense of overall well-being
To get started on your heart healthy journey, we recommend exercises that act as an insurance policy for your heart health!
- Walking at a moderate pace for at least 15 minutes per day
- Using the stair climber
- Going for a bike ride or enjoying a cycling class
- Spending some time swimming
- Taking one of our many group fitness classes (with a full schedule, you will never get bored!)
- Beginning your personal training journey to get some added accountability
Of course, our staff is always ready to answer any questions you may have about your health journey! We look forward to helping you reach your heart-healthy goals in February and beyond.
These recommendations are based on the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd edition, published by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion.