How You Can Exercise to Help Prevent Heart Disease

Regular exercise is one of the best ways to help prevent heart disease, the leading cause of death in the United States. Exercise can help to lower blood pressure, improve cholesterol levels, and reduce body weight, all of which are risk factors for heart disease.

The American Heart Association recommends that adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity each week. Moderate-intensity activities include brisk walking, swimming, and biking. Vigorous-intensity activities include running, tennis, and jumping rope.

In addition to aerobic activity, the American Heart Association also recommends that adults do muscle-strengthening exercises at least twice a week. Muscle-strengthening exercises can include lifting weights, doing bodyweight exercises, or using resistance bands.

It is important to talk to your doctor before starting an exercise program, especially if you have any underlying health conditions. Your doctor can help you to develop an exercise plan that is safe and effective for you.

Here are some tips for getting started with an exercise program:

Start slowly and gradually increase the intensity and duration of your workouts over time. If you are new to exercise, start by walking for 30 minutes three times a week. You can gradually increase your walking speed and distance as you get stronger.

Choose activities that you enjoy and that fit into your lifestyle. If you don't like running, don't force yourself to do it. There are plenty of other ways to get exercise, such as swimming, biking, or dancing.

Find an exercise buddy or group to help you stay motivated. Exercising with friends or family can be more fun and make it more likely that you will stick with it.

Make exercise a part of your daily routine. The best way to make sure that you get regular exercise is to make it a part of your daily routine. Schedule time for exercise in your calendar and make it a priority.

By following these tips, you can make exercise a part of your healthy lifestyle and help to reduce your risk of heart disease.

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