February is National Heart Month. This month is about focusing on ways to make healthier choices in all aspects of our lives in hopes of reducing the risk of heart disease. Physical activity is one essential way to lower your risk. So when it comes time to look for gyms in Tewksbury, NDB Fitness is here to lead the way!
Two additional ways we can reduce our risk are by eating healthy and reducing stress. But before we get into the ways to help prevent the risk of heart disease, it’s important to recognize a few signs that may point to a higher risk. This includes high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, and smoking cigarettes.
Exercise Regularly
Physical activity is one of the best ways to lower your risk of heart disease. It’s recommended that aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity cardio or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity cardio can help reduce your risk. This includes brisk walking, jogging, cycling, swimming, and dancing.
Cardio exercise is particularly effective at reducing the risk of heart disease because it strengthens the heart and improves blood and oxygen circulation throughout the body. Regular aerobic exercise can help lower blood pressure, improve cholesterol levels, and reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke. It can also help to maintain or lose weight.
Practice a Healthy Diet
A diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein can help lower your risk of heart disease. Avoid foods high in saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, salt, and added sugars. These foods can also increase your blood sugar.
Practicing a healthy diet also includes limiting your alcohol consumption. Drinking too much alcohol can raise your blood pressure and increase your risk of heart disease. If you choose to drink, do so in moderation.
Manage Stress
Managing stress can help reduce the risk of heart disease because chronic stress has been linked to the development of cardiovascular disease. Stress can lead to the release of hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones increase the heart rate and blood pressure.
These changes can cause damage to the cardiovascular system, leading to conditions such as hypertension, heart attack, and stroke. Finding healthy ways to manage stress, such as through exercise, meditation, or therapy, can help lower your risk. It’s also vital that you’re getting enough sleep.
Make NDB Fitness One of Your Favorite Gyms in Tewksbury!
It’s important to note that some of these risk factors are not modifiable, such as age and family history of heart disease, so it’s even more crucial to take the steps you can to protect your heart health.
Some of the most popular fitness classes we offer are cardio kickboxing, pilates, and Bootcamp! When you’re ready to take the first step towards healthier living, NDB Fitness is one of the best gyms in Tewksbury to get you started!