Regular exercise is one of the best ways to regain your cardiovascular health. Those with pre-existing heart conditions must obviously work with their doctor to put an exercise program together, but for everyone else – let’s get moving!
Exercise will improve your cardiovascular health almost immediately. Aerobic exercise also burns body fat, reduces the risk of diabetes, strengthens muscle (including the lung and heart muscles), improves the body’s circulation, and improves your mental health. A regular workout schedule will do wonders for your mind, body, and spirit!
There are so many ways you can include aerobic exercise in your family's routines that it won't even feel like you are "working out." These include:
- Going on a bike ride
- Skating or skiing with the family
- Taking a hike or a jog
- Taking a walk (bonus if you use light handweights!)
Anything that gets the blood pumping through the heart and keeps a steady heart rate can help fuel all the good effects of cardio workouts. Rather than ask your family "Do you want to work out?" just schedule one of these activities for the family and make it happen.
Aerobic Exercise and Heart Health
Aerobic exercise is "physical exercise of relatively low intensity that depends primarily on the aerobic energy-generating process." It is the exercise that does the most good for cardiovascular health and is sometimes simply known as "cardio." Aerobic exercise lowers the heart rate when done long-term and lowers blood pressure. It can also strengthen both heart and lungs. Those who do regular cardiovascular workouts are able to use oxygen more efficiently and also raise the oxygen content of their blood.
Heart Healthy Exercise
Biking is a great aerobic exercise – either outdoors or on an indoor stationary bike. Our favorite spin studio is Fit On in Manhattan Beach, but you can find yours and get going with it! Other options include rowing, skiing, jogging, walking and jumping rope. There are also water exercises and low-impact exercises that fall into the cardio/aerobic category. For the best results, look to do aerobic exercise three to four times a week for at least 30 minutes each time. Get going today! There’s no better time and your body will thank you!
