Last Updated on February 10, 2021 by Jeff
The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise per week to improve cardiovascular health. In a world where work, school, and other activities take up so much of our lives, this can seem like an impossible goal to meet! However, aerobic exercise lowers blood pressure and cholesterol, decreases stress and anxiety, depression, and offers dozens of other important benefits! With that in mind, here are 4 simple heart-healthy workouts that will boost your well-being without disrupting your busy schedule.
Walking
A simple yet invigorating exercise that many people overlook. The beauty of walking is that you can do it anywhere and that you don’t even need to take extra time to drive to the gym! Simply strolling through your neighborhood or a local park can be a wonderful experience that is simultaneously challenging and refreshing.
Giving yourself small challenges throughout the day such as parking your car far away from the door to increase the walk, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, and walking to school, work, or the store are also helpful.
One last fact about running that you will find encouraging? Walking has been shown to burn more calories per mile than running or jogging — go figure!
Swimming
This exercise is unique because it works your entire body — strengthening your muscles as well as improving your cardiovascular health. Swimming is an excellent exercise for those who have weak joints or a history of injury because being in the water takes some of the impact stress off of your body.
Swimming is also convenient because you can do it with any intensity that best suits you, and there is no pressure to push yourself too hard. The best part is that you only need three items to do this exercise; a pool, a swimsuit, and a positive mindset!
Dancing
From Zumba class to a night on the town to merely imitating a dance video on the TV — this is undoubtedly one of the most fun ways to get your heart pumping! Unfortunately, many adults who have little experience dancing feel self-conscious and avoid this exercise, even though it is easy, effective, and affordable.
In our opinion, one of the best ways to get motivated is to find a friend! A workout buddy is always a plus, especially when trying something new.
Kickboxing
Brush up on your self-defense skills while keeping your heart healthy with kickboxing! There are classes almost everywhere, so it shouldn’t be too difficult to find a gym or YMCA that holds regular events for all skill levels and ages. Even if combat isn’t your forte, kickboxing is a fun and stress relieving exercise that can tone muscle and help maintain a healthy heart and strong lungs.
Whatever exercise you may choose, be sure that it suits you and that you enjoy it. The objective is to find a workout that you can do your whole life long, so you should choose something that is fun for you personally. Exercise is not only beneficial but necessary for a healthy and long life, so choose wisely!