Exercise Tips to Prevent and Control Heart Disease

Exercise Tips to Prevent and Control Heart Disease

According to the CDC, heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, causing 1 in 4 deaths each year. As scary as that may sound, there is one perfect magic pill to help treat and prevent heart disease - EXERCISE. Before beginning exercise, consult a physician to see if it is safe for you. Kristen Hunter, a Clinical Exercise Physiologist, has developed simple tips to start an exercise plan for your heart health!

1. How often and long should I exercise?
   If you’re new to exercise, start small. Start 20-30 minutes, 3-4 or most days of the week.

2. What kind of exercise?
   The best exercise is the exercise you like to do! Don’t run if you hate running. Any activity that increases your heart rate will be worthwhile; brisk walking, biking, hiking, swimming, or an exercise class.

3. How do I organize a workout?
   Every session should include a warm-up working through range of motion. Followed by a conditioning piece with an elevated heart rate. Lastly, ending with cool-down to ease the workload back down and stretch all major muscles.

4. How hard should I work?
   Heart rate goals will be different for each individual, and you should work with a personal trainer if you want the most accurate goals. However, when you are working on your own you should still be able to answer yes or no questions, but not want to tell someone a detailed story.

Working with a personal trainer or Clinical Exercise Physiologist can help get you started and keep you going. eFitClub has experienced professional staff to help you reach your goals for heart disease prevention and control.

Sources: American College of Sport Medicine, American Heart Association, Center for Disease Control