Nothing makes the heart grow fonder or stronger like a good workout. Not only is the heart a symbol of love, but it’s also what’s keeping you alive and healthy.
To ensure your heart stays well and strong, it’s important to eat right and maintain an active lifestyle. Physical activity is one of the most effective ways to strengthen the heart. Consistent movement helps maintain a healthy weight and prevent high cholesterol, high blood sugar, high blood pressure and associated secondary conditions.
Here are some ways to improve your heart health.
Stretching
Stretching is the first (and probably the last) thing you want to do before a workout.
Flexibility workouts, such as stretching, do not directly help the heart, but can prevent you from experiencing joint pain and cramping.
The best tool to help you stretch is the CanDo® Dynamic Stretch Strap, because its unique design allows users to perform a variety of stretches and contractions. You can use the elastic pockets along the length of the strap to stretch your muscles gradually.
Aerobic Exercise
Aerobic or cardio exercises such as running, jogging, and biking, can significantly help to improve heart health. When you’re moving at a fast enough pace, your body increases blood circulation, which can lower resting blood pressure and heart rate.
Fitness equipment, like the CanDo® Pedal Exerciser, can help you achieve your aerobic exercise goals. Preassembled and conveniently portable, you can slide the exerciser underneath your desk at work for a lower body workout or put it on a tabletop to exercise your upper body.
Resistance Training
Resistance training is great for overall heart health because it can help reduce fat and create leaner muscle mass. In combination with cardio workouts, resistance training can also raise your good cholesterol (HDL cholesterol) and lower your bad cholesterol (LDL cholesterol).
You can do practically any of your resistance training with our CanDo® Resistance Bands. Choose from a variety of resistance levels to perform bicep curls, squats, leg presses and more. Simply unravel the roll and cut it to the length you desire. There’s even a latex-free version available for users with a latex allergy.
Work(out) Your Way to a Healthy Heart
These are three different exercises you can do to strengthen the heart and improve your overall heart health.
You should aim for 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity activity or about 30 minutes a day for five days out of the week. Your heart will thank you later.
To check out the CanDo® Dynamic Stretch Strap, click here.
To check out our CanDo® Pedal Exerciser, click here.
To check out our CanDo® Resistance Bands, click here.
Article written by William Graves.