Cardiovascular Health

Aerobic exercise is any activity that gets your blood pumping, increases your heart rate and gets your large muscle groups working. It is also known as cardiovascular activity. This activity can be achieved in many ways and not just at the gym or by joining exercise groups. Some examples of cardiovascular activity are:

Walking
Swimming
Heavy cleaning
Gardening
Jogging
Running
Cycling

The UK Government physical activity guidelines for adults:

"Each week, adults should accumulate at least 150 minutes (2 1/2 hours) of moderate intensity activity (such as brisk walking or cycling); or 75 minutes of vigorous intensity activity (such as running); or even shorter durations of very vigorous intensity activity (such as sprinting or stair climbing); or a combination of moderate, vigorous and very vigorous intensity activity."

Looking at the above information, you can see that by adding just half an hour brisk walk into your day, five times a week, you will be on your way to a healthier lifestyle. This activity can be completed at any time of the day. Whether you walk to work or perhaps a brisk walk after your evening meal.

Walking and cycling are just two of the many exercises that will improve your cardiovascular health. It's one of your most effective tools for strengthening the heart muscle, keeping your weight under control and warding off the artery damage from high cholesterol, high blood sugar and high blood pressure that can lead to heart attack or stroke.

There are so many benefits to keeping your heart healthy with cardio exercise. By investing just 30 minutes a day on an activity that you find enjoyable will keep you healthy in many ways.

1. Lowers blood pressure: Cardio helps to manage the symptoms of high blood pressure

2. Helps to regulate blood sugar levels: Regular aerobic exercise helps to regulate insulin levels and helps lower and maintain body weight.

3. Helps sleep patterns: If you struggle with sleeping at nighttime, aerobic exercise will help regulate sleep patterns. Just make sure that your workout finishes a couple of hours before bedtime.

4. Strengthens your immune system: Regular and moderate cardiovascular exercise will increase certain antibodies in your blood called immunoglobulins, that strengthen the immune system

5. Boost moods: Regular exercise increases the release of happy hormones which boosts our moods and decreases symptoms of mild depression. Engaging in exercise, even for a short period of time can have a big impact on mood swings.

6. It's affordable: There is no need to join a gym or buy the latest fitness gadgets. You can simply take a walk or enjoy a bit of gardening to reap the benefits of cardio health.