Exercise is one of the healthiest habits you can have. Learn about working out with high blood pressure, what you should know, and more.
According to the American College of Sports Medicine, regular exercise can lower blood pressure. In addition to lowering blood pressure, it can increase energy levels and ease stress levels.
To get the maximum amount of benefits, you don’t have to go to a gym. By simply being active enough to make your heartbeat even a little faster, you can experience blood pressure benefits.
Some of these simple exercises include walking at a brisk pace, swimming, lifting weights, and even yard work. In choosing a physical activity, you should first determine if you find it fun and if you want to work out solo or with others.
Best Workouts for Blood Pressure
The three main types of exercises are cardiovascular (or aerobic) exercises, strength training, and stretching. Each of these workouts can benefit blood pressure health in its own way.
Cardiovascular workouts are great for lowering blood pressure and strengthening your heart. In addition to walking and jogging, they include activities like skiing, rowing, and even jumping rope.
Besides aerobic exercises, strength training helps build muscles which increase the number of calories you burn. Moreover, it strengthens your heart muscle and benefits your joints and bones.
Lastly, stretching increases your flexibility and allows you to move better as well as preventing injuries. While it does not directly affect your blood pressure and heart health, it improves your aerobic and strength training performance.
Getting Regular Exercise
Make it a goal to get 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week (30 minutes, 5 days per week). Conversely, you can exercise for 75 minutes per week if you do a vigorous activity instead.
However, if you’re not currently physically active, you can gradually work up to these goals. It’s better to start slow and work your way up than to overexert yourself and give up at the beginning.
To stick with your exercise routine, make it fun and enjoyable. Think of activities you like doing by yourself (maybe swimming) and with others (think team sports).
Furthermore, you’ll want to schedule it in your routine so you can plan when you’re going to exercise. Lastly, if you find an exercise “buddy,” you’ll be more likely to stay motivated and enjoy the activity.
Can you exercise if you have high blood pressure?
Not surprisingly, being physically active is greatly beneficial for those with high blood pressure. If you’re worried about which types of exercises you can do with hypertension, talk to your doctor.
While it may be tough at first, your body will eventually get used to being active. During aerobic exercises, you will breathe harder and sweat, which is completely normal.
Still, if you’re feeling too short of breath or your heart is beating too fast, slow down and rest. Also, stop exercising if you start feeling dizzy, lightheaded, chest pain, or pain in your neck, jaw, arm, or shoulder.
Furthermore, if you want to enhance your workouts and boost your blood pressure, try a supplement like HeartBeet Complete. It works by increasing nitric oxide production in the body, which dilates blood vessels and improves circulation.
As a result, your blood pressure lowers and your body gets more blood and oxygen. Try HeartBeet Complete alongside your exercise routine if you really want to boost your blood pressure health.