Aerobic exercise is the best type of exercise for heart health. This is because it strengthens the heart muscle and improves cardiovascular function.
What is Aerobic Exercise?
Aerobic exercise, also known as cardio, is any activity that increases your heart rate and breathing for a sustained period. It improves your heart's ability to pump blood efficiently throughout your body. Examples include brisk walking, running, swimming, cycling, and many more. Johns Hopkins Medicine highlights physical activity as a major step towards good heart health, emphasizing its role in strengthening the heart muscle. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/3-kinds-of-exercise-that-boost-heart-health
Recommended Amounts
Guidelines suggest aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week, spread across at least five days. This could be achieved with 30 minutes of daily exercise. The British Heart Foundation (BHF) also notes that everyday activities like housework and gardening can contribute to this total. https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/heart-matters-magazine/activity/exercises-heart-health Harvard Health mentions that interval training can be a particularly effective method. https://www.health.harvard.edu/exercise-and-fitness/interval-training-for-a-stronger-heart
Types of Aerobic Exercise:
- Brisk Walking: A readily accessible and low-impact option.
- Running: A more intense form of cardio.
- Swimming: Provides a full-body workout with minimal stress on joints.
- Cycling: Another low-impact option, suitable for various fitness levels.
- Team Sports: Activities like basketball or tennis combine cardio with social interaction.
Benefits of Aerobic Exercise for Heart Health:
- Strengthens the heart muscle: Regular aerobic exercise improves the heart's efficiency in pumping blood.
- Lowers risk of heart disease: Reduces the risk of conditions like heart attacks and strokes.
- Improves blood pressure and cholesterol levels: Contributes to better overall cardiovascular health.
Beyond Aerobic Exercise
While aerobic exercise is key, incorporating other types of exercises, such as strength training, can provide additional benefits. However, this answer focuses specifically on the question of the best exercise for heart health.
