Reaping the Benefits of Exercise for Hypertension

The benefits of exercise for hypertension are numerous. Not only does it have a huge impact in reversing the direction of that downward spiral your health has taken, it perks you up, improves your social life, saves your pocket and transforms you into a Super Model.

Now if you have a tendency to shy away from it, try reflecting a bit more on these positive effects that the following kinds of exercise for hypertension will have on you. If it sounds too much effort, then nothing I write about here will sway your decision to go and look for the miracle pill.

Gentle on the Joints

One of the benefits of exercise for hypertension is the choice you have of two or three different exercises depending on your physic. You need to think about what impact each exercise will have on your joints.

If weight is a problem, swimming for exercise is a good choice. It tops them all provided you can swim! The buoyancy of your body in the water will take all weight off your joints and give you a fighting chance without inflicting any more damage to your system.

If you can`t swim, don`t despair. Cycling is another choice. Again the weight is taken of the legs allowing you to use the muscles for pushing. If you can`t ride a bike, there are other exercises you can think of that are easy on the joints. One example is Nordic walking, because the walking poles help lessens the impact to the joints and rowing is another, although not discussed in this article.

Aerobics are Calorie Burners

Adding to the health benefits of exercise for hypertension is that most of them are aerobic depending on the intensity.

Swimming, cycling or walking as exercise at a moderate pace, will improve the way your body uses oxygen, without overworking the heart. With this steady, increased supply of oxygen, more calories are burned. More calories burned, reduces weight, which reduces pressure to the vein and artery walls. What is strange too is that if your speed is causing you to hyperventilate, you will soon tire out and won`t loose as many calories as you would at a steady pace, because the heart cannot keep up with supplying the muscles with the oxygen they need. At least, not until your fitness level increases. For example, the calories burned cycling at 5.5mph will almost amount to 225 calories in a 30 minute ride and Nordic walking will burn almost twice the calories as normal walking. So build at a steady pace. Try gauging it by still being able to hold a conversation without getting out of breath. Of course before taking up any exercise and hypertension therapy, consult your doctor.

Strengthening Arteries and Veins

The unseen benefits of exercise for hypertension are excellent too! Our cardiovascular system is toned up. The varicose veins improve and the compound nitric oxide has been shown to increase while we exercise, helping to open and keep the blood vessels clear. That would certainly help our hearts to pump the larger volume of oxygenated blood to the muscles. Sorry if I am getting a bit medical here, but it`s all interesting and encouraging stuff. So just one more point on the goings on of our insides. When we engage in these exercises a chemicals called endorphins are released in the brain that enhance our mood, reduce our stress and anxiety, which in turn, leaves us invigorated and wanting more.

The Social Side of the Matter

If you are a social animal, then you will jump at the chance to be around other people, another one of the benefits of exercise for hypertension. Are you interested in Nordic walking? Why not start up Meet-up Group. It`s a great and novel idea that people will take an interest in and not only will your health benefit but there are safety in crowds and you get the opportunity to meet new friends.

If you like going to the gym, perhaps linking up with someone will help you to keep it up the momentum. Don`t forget to included the family. Cycling trips on scenic routes is a great day out. Then there`s dancing for those a bit lighter on their feet. There`s just one faithful friend you have left out. Yes Rover! They say a man`s best friend is their dog, and that is so true. They are always faithful and they are only too willing to get out every day to exercise.

Look! - The Body Beautiful, and at a Fraction of the Price

Now with all this energy and physical activity, guess what? You won`t recognise yourself in the mirror! Yes a new you! All toned up to the hilt. Well it`s good to dream but you can make that dream a reality! Remember some rules as you go that will help tone you up. When walking, keep relaxed and positive. Slightly tuck in your tummy to support the back muscles, hold your shoulders back and swing your arms.

Regular swimming is excellent for toning all the muscles in the body and cycling will take care of the legs, thighs and tummy. If you can do all 3 then you have an advantage. You will also help keep the budget down by walking whenever you can instead of using transport, invest in cycling fitness software, exercise cds, and videos and do workouts at home with family or friends. If you live by the sea it "could be" healthier than the swimming pool and it`s free. Yes there are many benefits of exercise for hypertension. Good health to you!

Disclaimer - This article is not intended for the diagnosis or treatment of any illness or disease, but is intended for informational purposes only. A doctor should be consulted before embarking on using any of the information therein.

Copyright 2007

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