BY TEAM FOURTH FRONTIER DESK
Exercise is essential for maintaining a healthy heart, but not all workouts are the same. Here is a list of a few best workouts for a healthy heart:
Aerobic exercises, also known as cardio, are the most effective workout for improving heart health. These include brisk walking, jogging, swimming, cycling, and dancing. [Source: health.harvard.edu]
Aerobic Exercises:
According to the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, you should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week. [Source: cdc.gov]
Recommended Amount of Exercise:
Resistance Training:
Resistance training, such as weightlifting or bodyweight exercises, is beneficial for heart health. The American College of Cardiology recommends at least two days of resistance training per week.[Source: heart.org]
High-Intensity Interval Training:
HIIT involves short bursts of intense activity followed by brief periods of rest. HIIT has been shown to improve cardiovascular health and is an efficient way to exercise. [Source: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
If you are having joint problems or other physical limitations, low-impact exercises such as yoga or tai chi provide a gentle yet effective workout for the heart. [Source: medicalnewstoday]
Low-Impact Exercises:
Group exercise classes are a fun and social way to get a heart-smart workout. Examples include Zumba, spinning, or aerobics classes.[Source: bhf.org.uk]
Group Exercise Classes:
Outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, or skiing provide a heart-smart workout while enjoying nature. [Source: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Outdoor Activities:
Circuit training involves moving between different exercises with little to no rest in between. This provides a high-intensity workout while also targeting multiple muscle groups. [Sorce: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Circuit Training:
Participating in sports such as basketball, soccer, or tennis provides a heart-smart workout while also being a fun and engaging activity. [Source: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Sports:
For those who have a sedentary job, walking meetings provide a heart-smart way to get some exercise while also being productive. [Source: betterhealth.vic.gov.a]
Walking Meetings:
Many employers offer worksite wellness programs, such as on-site gyms or fitness classes, as a way to encourage employees to stay active and improve their heart health.
Worksite Wellness Programs:
Working with a personal trainer provides individualized guidance and support for achieving heart-smart fitness goals.
Personal Training:
Using wearable fitness trackers or heart rate monitors[ex: Frontier X2 monitor]helps you to monitor progress and ensure that workouts are providing a heart-smart benefit.
Monitoring Progress:
Exercise is a key component of maintaining a healthy heart. Finding an exercise routine that is enjoyable and sustainable, helps you to improve your heart health and overall well-being.