Blood pressure
We know that blood pressure is a vital and easy measure of our general health, however, do we know what it actually is? Blood pressure basically means the amount of pressure on the heart and arterial walls in the body with normal readings at 120/80. If either of these numbers is high, it could be an indicator of abnormalities such as narrowing of artery walls, stiffening of arteries, irregular heartbeat, higher volumes of blood, and strength and size of heartbeats; this equals high blood pressure aka hypertension.
These abnormalities can be heavily influenced by a lack of exercise in one’s lifestyle as it impacts the function of arteries and the heart. Arteries lose their flexibility and ultimately become less pliable which leads to poor cardiovascular conditioning.
the free medicine of exercise
By introducing the free medicine of exercise, these risk factors can very much be reduced and ensure blood pressure stays at healthy norms. There is a dose-response relationship when it comes to exercise performance and blood pressure, meaning that the more you do (more frequently and appropriate amount) the more elevated blood pressure levels are reduced to 120/80. What exercise does is build a resilient cardiovascular system to fight against high blood pressure adaptations. If exercise can make our hearts strong, it then improves our circulatory system to be resilient against hypertension. Medicine in a bottle could also help offset and reduce hypertension, however, what it doesn’t do that exercise does is help with weight management, reduce stress levels and build very strong muscles, each of which is contributors to blood pressure.
FORMS OF EXERCISE
Exercise can come in many forms. Forms that can be very convenient and enjoyable. Long walks, swimming, bodyweight exercises, hikes and stair climbing. A good objective measure to aim for daily would be to hit 10,000 steps. This is a very good number to hit to be burning a lot of calories, enhance blood flow and raise your heart rate. Remember, gradual introduction to exercise is important, as some of us have never exercised before. My tip, begin slow and set little and achievable goals such as 3x a week, hit 3000 intentional steps and every week or fortnight thereafter add in an extra day and/or add an extra thousand steps.
