When you think about the definition of the word “impact” what comes to mind?
Impact implies a strong effect on someone or something. Engaging in physical activity (exercise) certainly has a strong effect on maintaining a healthy heart.
How does this happen? Exercise strengthens the heart muscle and improves circulation. The increased blood flow raises the oxygen levels in the body which lowers risk of high cholesterol, heart disease, and heart attack. Exercise also lowers blood pressure and triglyceride levels, helps maintain a healthy body weight, prevents diabetes, and reduces inflammation. The evidence is in!
How much exercise do you need and how often? General guidelines call for a combination of aerobic exercise and resistance training. Try to get a minimum of 30 minutes of aerobic exercise such as walking, cycling, or swimming at least five days a week. Do moderate weightlifting to tone muscles and build muscle endurance twice a week, or frequently enough to cover the major muscle groups.
The key to successful regular exercise is staying interested and motivated.
Here are a few ways to keep exercise a lifelong habit:
- Select a hobby that includes movement
- Make exercise a scheduled priority
- Join a gym or class for mutual support and health competition
- Attend virtual classes
- Keep a log to chart your progress or use your technology
- Set SMART goals that are achievable
You don't have to be a marathon runner or elite athlete to realize significant benefits from exercise. In fact, the recommendations are quite modest (150 minutes a week). The gains in terms of longevity are achieved when an individual goes from being sedentary to becoming moderately active.
With all of these great benefits of exercise, what is holding you back? Doing something challenging or uncomfortable in the present moment can result in future good especially as it relates to the impact of exercise on a healthy heart!
If you need support in this area, the Wellview Care Team is waiting and ready to assist you in creating a future vision of health that includes exercise, a healthy heart and provide motivation and support all along the way!
Click HERE to learn more about the Wellview services available to you. We can’t wait to work with you!
Sherree Telford, RD, LDN, CDCES, CHWC
Director, Specialized Solutions | Email Sherree
