Exercise strengthens the heart muscle and helps keep weight, cholesterol, and blood pressure at healthy levels. It can also reduce arterial inflammation, decreasing the risk of heart-attack and slowing the progression of heart disease. Exercise advice differs depending on your goal. Pick the category below that seems right for you:
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To get started
It doesn’t really matter what you do as long as you do something. The most popular option is walking. But if you find that boring, try biking or joining a gym.
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To get back in shape
Even if your days of fast-paced tennis are but a memory, resuming exercise can restore your fitness. But to protect yourself, don’t go back to the routines of your youth. It is advisable to adjust your goals and expectations. Instead of aiming for a marathon, start by 300 m race.
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To lose excess weight
You need to combine physical activity with dietary changes if you expect to lose weight. And you have to make it a regular part of your life, preferably at least an hour a day of brisk walking or its equivalent.
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To kick it up a notch
People who are already physically active can get additional and more extensive health and fitness benefits by becoming even more active. One method to give your exercise routine a boost is interval training—adding spurts of higher intensity to exercises you’re already doing. Add variety to your workouts by joining a yoga or a dance class.
