The facts about high blood pressure and exercise

Exercise plays an important role in controlling hypertension. There is an inverse correlation between high blood pressure and exercise - those who exercise regularly are less prone to developing this condition.

Exercise is usually something relegated to the bottom of everyone's 'to do list', when it should really be a top priority. Regular exercise maintains the health of the heart and the cardiovascular system. It also assists in keeping blood pressure within normal, safe limits. Moreover, exercise makes a person feel good and offers psychological benefits - this is a great plus.

What kind of exercise should you undertake? As far as high blood pressure and exercise goes, there are a few important things to be taken into consideration. The first (and probably the most important), is that the exercise you choose should be one you like. If you enjoy it, you are more likely to continue with it. If you hate the exercise, chances are very high that you will quit sooner or later.

The second consideration in high blood pressure exercise is that it should involve rhythmic movements. Why? The reason is that such exercises are more likely to work out the major muscle groups in the body. Brisk walking and swimming are perfect examples of exercises involving rhythmic movement.

Many people complain saying that neither of these two exercises is feasible for them. Maybe this is because they can't swim. Or perhaps they live in a polluted environment and so walking is out of question. However, this is an excellent opportunity to think outside the box and look at things from a different perspective.

For example, how do you know that swimming won't be an enjoyable activity for you if you have never gone swimming? It may be a good idea to enroll in a class giving swimming lessons under expert supervision. This also offers the benefit of meeting new people and making new friends, even while you learn a new skill.

A high blood pressure exercise like walking does not have to be done in the neighborhood where you live. The local newspaper may have listings of walking clubs in the vicinity. Since it's a question of reducing hypertension, do whatever is necessary to exercise regularly. Buy a good pair of walking shoes, appropriate clothing and join one of these clubs.

Walking is a particularly good all-round exercise that offers many health benefits. And walking clubs plan outings to beautiful locations, so it is a great way to see new places while improving health and reducing blood pressure. Go ahead and start walking in the local park and other suitable locations.

One important tip regarding high blood pressure exercise is to start small. Do not think that you must walk for two hours daily for you to see any benefits. Experts say that even thirty minutes of brisk walking five times a week may be sufficient. If walking for thirty minutes seems like a stretch in the beginning, start with ten minutes, or whatever length of time you are comfortable with. You can always increase it gradually.

The other tip is to keep your exercise plans to yourself. If you tell other people about the fact that you are taking up regular exercise, you may find yourself at the receiving end of good-natured teasing. You may also increase your stress levels, because you feel that others are watching your progress and will jump on you at the slightest slip up. The other issue is that many people know they should be exercising but don't do it. These folks feel guilty when they see someone else exercising and may unconsciously say or do things that nudge you to give up exercising.

Keep your doctor fully informed before taking up any exercise program. He will be able to monitor your progress and suggest changes as necessary. High blood pressure exercise is essential to controlling hypertension.

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