There are a lot of exercise routines being promoted, making it easy to choose one that is good for your heart. It’s recommended that you engage in a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week or 75 minutes of aerobic activity that’s more vigorous. Here are 3 exercises that we recommend at Heart 2 Heart, First Aid & CPR training Toronto, that are good for your heart.
- Brisk Walking or Running
Our bodies were made to walk and run-not for extended periods of sitting. You can use a treadmill for brisk walking or go outside and enjoy the fresh air while you’re getting this form of exercise. Your walking should be brisk, however, and you should be able to feel your heart pumping. Once you feel comfortable with fast walking, you can advance to running. If you can’t keep up a long running pace, feel free to alternate between walking and running while you’re building up your stamina.
- Weight Training
Weight training builds up muscle mass, is good for your heart and for bone health. If you’re just getting started with weight training, you should get professional advice regarding your current ability and a program can be worked out for you. Most gyms have weight trainers on-site that can help you get started. If you don’t have time to head down to your local gym, you can get started with simple push-ups, which are a form of weight training. Do as many as you can and then try to do one more. Continue to challenge yourself and you’ll be doing your heart a big favor.
- Lane Swimming
Swimming isn’t only fun – it’s great for your heart. If you’re going down to your neighborhood pool for a leisurely swim, however, you won’t see the huge benefits that you can get by lane swimming. This is a serious heart pumping exercise that will also help build up muscle mass. It’s recommended that you change your strokes from time to time to give different muscle sets a workout. No matter what type of stroke you use, however, your heart will thank you for it!
Heart health matters to us at Heart 2 Heart. Find out more about First Aid & CPR training Toronto by calling us today at 416-960-5319.