How to Put Activities into Your Day to Strengthen your Heart

The heart is a muscle that pumps blood throughout the body.  For the heart to work at its most efficient, all the muscles in your body can help it.

Step 1:  Include 30 minutes of aerobic activity in your daily activities.  It doesn’t have to be done all at once.  A ten minute walk in the morning, another one at lunchtime, and then a stroll after dinner accomplishes the goal.  If you work or go to the mall, park a little further away from the entrance.

Step 2:  Use the stairs instead of the elevator when possible. If you live in a two story home, take a few extra trips up the stairs each day. One suggestion is to always use the upstairs bathroom and leave the downstairs bathroom for guests.

Step 3: Go for a bike ride.  The pumping motion in the large muscles of your legs will help your heart muscle become stronger.

Step 4:  Go swimming.  Swimming is a terrific way to add an aerobic activity to your activities and put less strain on your joints.  The buoyancy of the  water takes pressure of arthritic joints while having you accomplish your goal of strengthening your heart. Try a water aerobics class at the gym or local community center.

Step 5:  Use an elliptical training machine.  This machine will work your upper and lower body muscles at the same time, and increase the blood flow to your back and shoulder muscles.

Step 6:  Put your dancing shoes on and sign up for a dance class.  It doesn’t have to be a low or high impact aerobics class, try a rumba class or ballroom dancing. Make it a social activity and at the same time you will meet new people to enjoy dancing with.

Step 7:  Try yoga or tai chi for a different kind of muscle building activity.  These are based on slow rhythmic movements that help you develop good breathing techniques as well.

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