Just like our other muscles, the heart needs to be exercised to work to its full potential. Being active is an important factor in maintaining cardiovascular wellbeing – it can lower your risk of heart attack and stroke. Did you know that achieving the recommended physical activity targets can reduce your mortality by up to 50 per cent?
How can exercise help our heart?
When you work to keep your heart fit and healthy it makes it easier for your heart to pump blood around your body. The physical activity could help to reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke by lowering your blood pressure, increasing your ‘good’ cholesterol levels, and helping you maintain a healthy weight. In fact, 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise (doing something that has you getting warmer and breathing faster, but not out of breath ) per week can reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke by 30 per cent.
It is never too late to begin exercising and getting fit is possible at any age – it can be part of your day-to-day routine. Try to get into a regular habit of both physical activity and exercise. Physical activity is anything that gets your body moving (such as cleaning, walking the dog, taking the stairs ), whereas exercise is more structured and aims to improve your fitness levels (think of cycling, swimming, and fitness classes ).
Evergreen’s top exercise tips
Drink plenty of water and try to always stay hydrated. Avoid heavy meals right before you exercise – even if you are not trying to ‘bulk up’ you can incorporate protein shakes to encourage proper recovery, allowing you to maintain your routine. Keep track of your progress, go slow, and although it can be great to push yourself, don’t push past your limits. Why not try the popular Couch to 5k plans? You can join the Evergreen team at the fifth annual Croí Galway Night Run on Friday October 11; for more information see croi.ie/nightrun
For more tips, visit Evergreen and have a chat with fully qualified staff in-store, or see Evergreen.ie
