Get Moving for Heart Health

A lack of regular exercise is one of the highest risk factors for heart disease. Fortunately, it’s easy to do something about. Dedicating just 20 to 30 minutes to being active three to four days a week can have an amazing impact on heart health. Don’t know where to start? Here’s some tips to ease into your fitness routine and get yourself moving.

Talk to your doctor

Especially if it has been a long time since you last stuck to a fitness routine, your doctor will be able to help you get started on a workout plan that is safe and effective for you.

Start slow

Listen to your body; pushing yourself beyond what feels right will only put you at risk for injury. You should feel an increase in heart rate and breathing, but still be able to hold a conversation. Gradually increase your workout over time as your fitness improves.

Warm up

Be sure to account for stretching, a five minute warmup and a 10 minute cool down into the time you set aside for your workout. These important steps will help protect you against risk of injury.

Do what you enjoy

While some studies say that some kinds of exercise are more effective than others, what’s most important is that you find ways to get moving that you enjoy and will stick to. What good is it if you burn more calories running if you hate running and will only stick with it for a
week or two?

Partner up

The accountability of a set appointment to meet someone will make you more likely to follow your fitness schedule. Finding a friend to come with you can also make it more enjoyable, since it will give you an opportunity to catch up and bond.

Find excuses to move

Even the small choices we make between sedentation and movement can add up to a big difference in overall health. Next time you have a question for a coworker, walk to their office instead of calling. Park a little farther from the store. Take the stairs. Pick up an active new hobby, like gardening.

Keep trying

Don’t let a few missed workouts discourage you too much. If the same factors continually get in the way of your workout, think about how you can change your routine to eliminate that hurdle to your health. For example, if you keep finding yourself too busy to hit the gym in the evening, consider switching to morning workouts or taking walks on your lunch break. The goal is the set a healthy overall lifestyle for yourself, so get right back into it!