{"id":8309,"date":"2020-09-09T10:46:33","date_gmt":"2020-09-09T10:46:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fitproblog.mysites.io\/how-to-keep-your-blood-pressure-healthy-through-exercise\/"},"modified":"2020-09-09T10:46:33","modified_gmt":"2020-09-09T10:46:33","slug":"how-to-keep-your-blood-pressure-healthy-through-exercise","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.fitpro.com\/blog\/how-to-keep-your-blood-pressure-healthy-through-exercise\/","title":{"rendered":"How to keep your blood pressure healthy through exercise"},"content":{"rendered":"

Let\u2019s get physical and keep our blood pressure healthy, says Professor Graham MacGregor<\/strong>, chair of Blood Pressure UK.<\/h3>\n

Being active not only\u00a0lowers our blood pressure\u00a0by keeping our heart and blood vessels in good shape but also reduces the risk of\u00a0heart disease\u00a0and\u00a0stroke.<\/p>\n

What\u2019s more, it has countless other benefits too. Exercise strengthens the bones, improves balance and keeps our muscles and joints moving, which can help keep us active and independent in later life.<\/p>\n

For most people, it is safe to exercise if they have high blood pressure \u2013 but it\u2019s always a good idea for them to speak to their doctor or nurse before starting any new physical activity. Physical activity will cause blood pressure to rise for a short time. For most people, this is nothing to worry about and when they stop the activity it should quickly return to normal.<\/p>\n

If their blood pressure is relatively high, their doctor or nurse may prefer to lower it with\u00a0medicines\u00a0before starting exercise. If it\u2019s very high, they should avoid any new activity without talking to their doctor first.<\/p>\n

What is the best exercise for high blood pressure?<\/h3>\n

Different kinds of exercise and activity have different effects on the body. If someone has high blood pressure, they should try to focus on activities that will help their heart and blood vessels. Aerobic activity is the type that helps the heart the most.<\/p>\n

Helpful exercises \u2013 aerobic exercise<\/h3>\n

Good exercises to try are any aerobic exercises that get the heart, lungs, blood vessels and muscles working because they use the large muscle groups of the body, such as those in the legs, shoulders and arms. Walking, jogging, swimming and dancing are all good aerobic activities. Slow breathing and even transcendental meditation are also effective ways of bringing down blood pressure.<\/p>\n

Exercises to avoid<\/h3>\n

Some other forms of activity are less helpful; for example, any exercise that is very intensive for short periods of time, such as sprinting or weightlifting. They raise your blood pressure very quickly and put too much strain on your heart and blood vessels. However, while these types of exercise aren\u2019t recommended for those with high blood pressure, if these\u00a0are some of your clients preferred type of exercises, you should consult with their GP and discuss modifications so you can coach these exercises safely<\/p>\n

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Helpful (and unhelpful) activities for lowering blood pressure<\/h3>\n

Activities that are good for blood pressure<\/h3>\n