Exercise

Move more for a healthy heart

Being active, getting that heart beating a bit faster and spending less time sitting down, is good for your heart and arteries.

Daily exercise will help trim your waistline, maintain a healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels, strengthen bones, tone muscles, help build up fitness, manage stress and make you feel good.  The list of benefits for your heart and body is endless.

If the gym’s not your thing, don’t worry.  Activities like brisk walking, swimming, dancing and having a good gardening session, are great news for your heart.  You could even sign up for one of our events to keep your heart healthy. You just need to do things so that you moderately increase your heart rate and feel warm and slightly out of breath.  For adults, it’s 30 minutes at least five times a week that counts, and, what’s more, it doesn’t have to be done in one go.  If you can only fit in two 15 minute sessions you’ll still benefit.

Think back to your childhood and the sports you used to enjoy, could badminton, football or skipping become part of your week again? You can also make everyday activities into a good workout for your heart.

Brisk walking - Get off the bus a stop earlier or walk to and from the shops carrying your bags. Take the stairs instead of the lift or escalator every time. Walk the dog and make sure your heart, not just the dog’s, is getting exercise by speeding up the pace or taking a longer route.

Get on your bike - pedal away the cares of the day. Rope in your family and friends and explore your local area.  Include a few hills and you’ll soon get that heart beating.

Swimming – a quick swim up and down the pool lanes in your lunch hour or before work will leave you feeling revitalised.

Dancing - try salsa, jazz or belly dancing classes or simply crank up the volume and dance around the house.

Jogging - make sure you wear the right footwear and build up your fitness gradually.

Currently only 6% of men and 4% of women in England do the recommended levels of exercise. Be one of them and work your way to a fitter, more energetic and heart-healthy you. Check out our exercise leaflet for more tips on exercise for a Healthy Heart.

You can read more about health and exercise by visiting the nhs choices website.