Learn four ways you can build and maintain a healthy heart through exercise.

Published on February 06, 2017

Four Exercises for a Healthy Heart

Did you know that heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States? One of the best ways you can reduce your risk of developing heart disease is by staying physically active.

To keep your heart strong, it is important to incorporate aerobic exercise in your fitness routine. Commonly known as cardio, aerobic exercise includes any activity that gets your heart beating at a higher rate than normal over an extended amount of time. The Department of Health and Human Services recommends getting at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity each week.

Below are four heart-healthy workouts you can incorporate into your exercise routine to build and maintain a strong, healthy heart.

  1. Walking
    No matter what kind of shape you’re in, adding more steps throughout your day is one of these easiest ways to maintain a healthy heart. So put on your FitBit or other step counter and start moving! Just remember that you need to work hard enough to get your heart rate up if you want the heart-healthy benefits.
  2. Running
    Research from the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that running can reduce your risk of heart disease by 45 percent. One of the great parts about running is that you can do it anywhere and you don't need any equipment. So lace up your running shoes, head outside or over to the gym and start reaping the heart-healthy benefits.
  3. Swimming
    Swimming is good for your heart, plus it can help improve your lung capacity and is easy on your joints.
  4. Interval training
    Interval training combines periods of aerobic exercise with short bursts of high intensity moves. For example, if you are working out on a cycling bike, add regular, short periods of high resistance every few minutes. This will get your heart pumping faster. Interval training is especially good for your heart because it helps increase the flexibility and elasticity of your arteries and veins better than many other forms of exercise.

In addition to aerobic exercises, there are many other exercises that have proven benefits for your heart. Yoga has been shown to help relieve stress and lower blood pressure, and strength training helps build lean muscle and can help lower cholesterol.

Are you ready to hit the gym and improve your heart-health? Bronson offers two health and wellness facilities - Bronson Athletic Club in Kalamazoo and Bronson Wellness Center in South Haven.

Bronson Athletic Club in Kalamazoo is for anyone working toward better health and an improved quality of life. Stay up to date with club news on the club's Facebook page. To schedule your free tour or become a member, call a membership rep at (269) 544-3200.

Bronson Wellness Center in South Haven combines fitness and nutrition programs to help make it easier for members to live a healthy lifestyle. Stay up to date with club news on the club's Facebook page. To schedule your free tour or become a member, call a membership advocate at (269) 639-2949.

  • People working out on elliptical trainers at the gym

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