Reduce Your Risk of Heart Disease With These Exercises

Reduce Your Risk of Heart Disease With These Exercises
Did you know that heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the
United States? Heart disease is one of several cardiovascular diseases – diseases that are caused by narrowed, blocked or stiffened blood vessels that prevent your heart, brain or other parts of your body from receiving enough blood. There are several risk factors for heart disease, some of which are controllable and some which are not. Being physically inactive is a heart disease risk factor which we can control.
While exercise in general is very good for the body, there are some exercises which benefit heart health more than others. These are known as cardiovascular (aerobic) exercises. In addition to the benefit of reduced risk of heart disease, cardiovascular exercises also improve blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels, improve heart function, reduce the risk of osteoporosis, and improve muscle mass. Whether you are an athlete or non-athlete, the following exercises (many of which can be performed at the gym or at home) will benefit your body and heart and help you to reduce your risk of heart disease:
1) Swimming: Swimming is a full-body exercise that builds endurance, muscle strength, flexibility, and cardio-vascular fitness. It is an excellent calorie-burner, and because it’s a low muscle and joint stress activity, it is good for those who have previous injuries or disabilities that may prevent them from participating in other exercises.
2) Step Aerobics: Step aerobics exercise involves stepping up onto a raised platform at intervals while alternating the leg used. Step aerobics helps burn calories, improve flexibility, gait and balance, and overall helps maintain the health of the cardiovascular system. The physical benefits of regular step aerobics are similar to those of running without the added pressures upon the joints and knees.
3) Bicycling: Bicycling, like swimming, is another low-impact non-weight bearing exercise that builds cardiovascular strength and is good for people who might be unable to participate in exercises that cause impact to the knees and other joints.
4) Speed Walking: Walking is a good practice but to get the cardiovascular benefits from this movement it is important to walk at a brisk pace. Not only does speed walking reduce the risk of cardiovascular events, it also helps with weight loss, lower blood pressure, and increased HDL (good) cholesterol.
The incidence of heart diseases is on the rise. Help reduce your risk of heart disease by making these exercises part of your regular routine. Your entire body will reap the benefits!