Exercise and Hypertension
December 12th, 2008
Exercise is usually an activity that comes at the bottom of many peoples “to do list”; when in reality it should be at the top. Exercise is important because it helps to keep our heart nice and healthy, assists in keeping our blood pressure within normal limits and gives us a good feeling factor.
When deciding on what type of exercise to start especially if you suffer from high blood pressure you should take a couple of considerations into account. The first one (and probably the most important one), is it should be an exercise you enjoy, because if you enjoy it, you’re more likely to stick to it.
The second consideration you should take into account when planning your exercise regime is it must be a rhythmic exercise, because if it’s rhythmic, it will be more likely you are using the larger muscle groups in your body. Taking a brisk walk or going swimming are ideal examples of a rhythmic type of exercise.
Many people complain they can’t swim or they dislike walking as they live in either a dangerous or polluted environment. However this is an excellent chance to think outside the box and really go for a complete change of ideas and thoughts.
For instance, how do you know you don’t like swimming if you have never learnt how to do it? Book yourself onto a course of swimming lessons and give yourself the opportunity to learn. It’s also an excellent way of meeting new friends plus you are learning a new skill.
Walking can be done in places other than your immediate neighbourhood. Look in your local newspaper or guide to see if there are any walking clubs in your area (I bet there are), buy yourself a pair of stout boots and some suitable clothes, and join up.
Walking clubs plan some super excursions to all types of lovely places, and it’s a wonderful way of not only helping you to become fit and reduce your blood pressure, but you also get a chance to see some of the lovely countryside that otherwise you would probably have missed. You can visit your local park or nearest open space to start practicing your walking skills.
At the end of the day, the secret of any exercise regime whether it is to just get fit, or help your health problems is to start it modestly. Another tip is to keep it to yourself. If you tell other people about your plans to take up exercise, you may find yourself the butt of their good natured teasing. You may also find you put yourself under stress because you know they are watching you and just waiting to slip up. Many people feel guilty when they see other people making an effort to do something they know they should be doing, and seeing them fail helps to keep them in their comfort zone.
Finally make sure you tell your doctor of your plans to take up exercise. If you do have some health problems such as hypertension or cardiovascular disease, he may want to check you over to make sure he’s happy for you to start. He will also probably give you a lecture about not over doing it. Having said all that, he will also probably be very pleased that you’re making the effort.
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