It’s a scary figure when you look at it closely. Each year, nearly 1.4 million Americans experience some form of a heart attack, according to the Society for Heart Attack Prevention and Eradication. Sadly, more than 500,000 die from those cardiac events.
Heart disease remains a serious problem in this country, and really, around the world. There are many ways to prevent it, and one of those is regular exercise. But that’s easier said than done. So how do you get into a routine, or a habit, of exercising? And what kind should you focus on?
You probably aren’t going to take up marathoning to start with, and you don’t have to. But aerobic exercises are a great place to begin. These can include something as simple as walking, jogging or jumping rope. Bicycling is an increasingly popular form of aerobic exercise, whether you’re on an outdoor pathway or a stationary bike in your family room. And of course most any sport will give you an aerobic workout.
The key is steady activity that uses your large muscle groups, gets your heart pumping and blood flowing, and improves your lungs through systemized breathing. Take everything in moderation, be sure you warm up those arms and legs through stretching, and work up to a regular aerobic session lasting 20 to 30 minutes, something you should do at least three or four days a week.
Keep a chart of your activities, maybe monitor your weight or number of steps you take or miles you walk, jog or bike. And when you finish your workout, give yourself a chance to cool down (not lie down). A good way to cool down is to repeat some of your warmup exercises.
Aerobic exercise can be a helpful “pay it forward” practice to keep your heart healthy, along with the rest of your body!
Want another tip? Visit me at {{account:url}} to learn more about how you can be your own boss, and take control of your future. I’m here to help!