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What Exercise Does For Your Heart
Most of us tend to forget that the heart is a muscle, and like any muscle, it can improve with exercise. The heart can become stronger through exercises that progressively increase the body's demand for oxygen; aerobic exercise. If you've ever wondered why aerobics are good for your heart, consider the following information.
A More Efficient Heart
The normal heart beats at a rate of approximately 70 beats per minute when you are at rest. That means that your heart beats an average of 100,000 times each day. By exercising and strengthening your heart, you may be able to decrease your daily heartbeats by as much as half that amount. That means that your heart is working more efficiently; it takes fewer beats to supply the same amount of oxygen to the rest of your body. In other words, by improving the condition of your heart, you can reduce its workload while helping it to perform more efficiently.
Cholesterol And Blood Pressure Control
Regular aerobic exercise has also been shown to increase the body's levels of "protective" HDL cholesterol. (HDL actually carries cholesterol out of the bloodstream.) Increased HDL levels may offer some protection from atherosclerosis (the build-up of fatty deposits on the inner walls of the blood vessels). Aerobic exercise has also been proven to be a successful method of lowering blood pressure. (High blood pressure is a primary risk factor for heart attack and stroke.)
Becoming Cardiovascularly Fit
To reap the benefits of aerobics, it's important that you exercise within your target heart range (THR); the safest amount of heartbeats per minute during exertion; for 20-30 minutes, 3-5 times a week. Some of the most popular aerobic exercises include walking, swimming, cycling, jogging, and aerobic dance. The following chart can help you determine your approximate THR. Remember, though, if you have an existing heart or medical condition, are a smoker, or are just beginning an exercise program after age 40, check with your physician first. Cardiovascular fitness is everyone's concern, but particularly for those of us who want to be heart-smart.
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