Exercise for a Healthy Heart

An inactive lifestyle is one of the main risk factors for heart disease. Fortunately its a risk you can easily avoid with 20 to 30 minutes of aerobic exercise three or four times a week.

Regular exercise, especially aerobic, has many benefits. It can:

• Strengthen your heart and cardiovascular system.


• Improve your circulation and help your body use oxygen better.


• Improve your heart failure symptoms.


• Increase energy levels so you can do more activities without becoming tired or short of breath.


• Increase endurance.


• Lower blood pressure.


• Improve muscle tone and strength.


• Improve balance and joint flexibility.


• Strengthen bones.


• Help reduce body fat and help you reach a healthy weight.


• Help reduce stress, tension, anxiety and depression.


• Boost self-image and self-esteem.


• Improve sleep.


• Make you feel more relaxed and rested.


• Make you look fit and feel healthy.

Be sure to check with your doctor before starting any exercise program.