February is Heart Health Month! Jennifer Nieset, PT and Owner of Fit 4 Life Physical Therapy in Concord was asked by Dr. Bill Sopchak of Sopchak Natural Health & Wellness to share a seminar on heart health for his patient population.
Today’s blog post is a summary of the presentation, along with the video recording.
A message from Dr, Bill:
“In this video, we’ll explore how exercise plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy heart. The heart is the engine of our body, and just like any other engine, it needs proper care and maintenance to function at its best. Let’s dive into the science behind exercise and how it helps your heart stay strong, healthy, and resilient.
Why Heart Health Matters: Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. But the good news is that exercise is one of the best tools we have to prevent heart-related issues. Regular physical activity helps lower the risk of high blood pressure, cholesterol problems, stroke, and even heart attacks.
How Exercise Benefits Your Heart: Improves Blood Circulation: Exercise helps your heart pump blood more efficiently, delivering oxygen and nutrients to your cells. Strengthens the Heart Muscle: Just like any other muscle, the heart becomes stronger with regular activity. A stronger heart can pump more blood with each beat, reducing the strain on it. Lowers Blood Pressure: Regular exercise can help lower both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, which is a significant factor in heart health. Reduces Cholesterol Levels: Exercise helps increase HDL (good cholesterol) and lower LDL (bad cholesterol), keeping your arteries clear and reducing the risk of plaque buildup. Helps Control Weight: Maintaining a healthy weight through exercise reduces the risk of developing conditions like obesity and diabetes, which can contribute to heart disease. Reduces Stress: Physical activity boosts the production of endorphins, reducing stress and improving mental health – which directly affects heart health.
What Types of Exercise Are Best for Heart Health?
Aerobic Exercise: Activities like walking, running, swimming, or cycling are excellent for cardiovascular health.
Strength Training: Building muscle with weightlifting or resistance exercises improves overall fitness and metabolism, helping you burn fat more efficiently.
Flexibility and Balance: Exercises like yoga or Pilates can reduce stress and improve circulation, which indirectly benefits the heart.
How Much Exercise Should You Get? The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity per week, along with muscle-strengthening exercises at least two days a week.
Final Thoughts: Taking just a few minutes each day to get moving can make a huge difference for your heart health. Whether it’s walking, swimming, or hitting the gym, exercise is a powerful tool for a healthy, long life. Remember to consult with your doctor before starting any new exercise routine, especially if you have existing health conditions. Thanks for watching!” ~ Dr Bill
Also inside the video, Jennifer shares some of the ways they can help you exercise safely here at Fit 4 Life Physical Therapy.
Be sure to send us your questions or comments below or call the office to inquire about availability. 440-340-3717.
