You likely know that exercise is good for the body. But you may not realize just how important it is to get your heart rate elevated when exercising or the perks of getting it up while doing daily activities. It’s Heart Health Month, so let’s take this opportunity to get moving!
The Heart
The heart is roughly the size of a large fist. It’s responsible for pumping blood throughout the entire body. This is how the body is supplied with oxygen and nutrients while removing carbon dioxide and waste. Without the heart, your body and organs would not get what they need to survive.
Heart Rate
Everyone has a resting heart rate and what it is will vary from person to person. It’s calculated by beats per minute (bpm). For the average adult, it’s recommended that it stay within 60-100 bpm. To find out your target heart rate while exercising, you can go here to review the chart based upon age.
Exercise
The heart is a muscle which means it can grow in strength and endurance. Aerobic exercises like brisk walking, running, bicycling and more can significantly improve the health of the heart. Additionally, keeping the heart rate at no higher than 85 percent of the maximum heart rate will put you in a great spot to burn calories.
Elevating the heart on a routine basis can help with circulation, high blood pressure, cholesterol and weight loss. As the heart rate increases, so does its ability to pump blood throughout the body. This can help circulation and reduce the risk of stroke, clots and heart attacks.
Beyond the Gym
While it’s essential to move your body for thirty minutes each day, there are some other things you can do to help keep your heart strong. Be sure to:
- Eat a well-balanced diet consisting of vegetables, lean protein, fruits, healthy fats and whole grains.
- Eliminate stress. Stress can be damaging to the heart. Exercising would be a great way to help reduce stress.
Heart health is something that shouldn’t go unnoticed. Exercising is one of the best things you can do for your heart when it comes to both protection and prevention. Reach out to see how physical therapy can help improve your heart and overall health today.