Exercise to strengthen YOUR HEART

YOUR HEART From HIIT to yoga, strength to aerobic training – what works, what doesn't and what you need to know

- TANYA PEAREY

When it comes to promoting and maintaining a healthy heart, few factors can benefit it as much as exercise,' says fitness expert Mark Harris from Mirafit*. Regular exercise can strengthen our hearts by making them work harder, forcing muscles to strengthen and become more efficient at pumping blood around our bodies. It can also reduce blood pressure, ensuring less strain on the heart, and help reduce the risk of blood clots. In fact, one study** revealed that exercise can boost blood circulation by 25%,' says Mark.

Keeping active can also help you maintain a healthy weight. ‘Regular exercise helps combat this, keeping people fit and protecting against unnecessary weight gain, and so reducing the strain on the heart, helping prevent heart attacks and strokes.’ Here’s how to make exercise work best for your heart.

AEROBIC EXERCISE

Any activity that raises your heart rate and increases your breathing improves the efficiency of your heart and connected circulatory system. Cardio fitness is also an effective calorie burner that helps protect against obesity and the knock-on risks posed to your heart health.