Why Exercise Matters for Your Heart

Did you know that February is American Heart Month? There’s so much we can do as women over 50 to prevent heart disease. Today I want to talk about why exercise matters for your heart.

This is a sponsored post with Peach, however, all opinions are my own.

I am like many of you, I exercise more at the age of 63 than I did when I was younger. Not because I’m a fitness freak but I do it for my health. I wrote about the benefits of exercising to prevent osteoporosis last fall and now I’m talking about why exercise is so important for our heart.

Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women, killing more women than all forms of cancer combined.

Being physically active is a major step toward good heart health. It’s one of your most effective tools for strengthening the heart muscle, keeping your weight under control and warding off the artery damage from high cholesterol, high blood sugar and high blood pressure that can lead to a heart attack or stroke. Read more about the Benefits of Exercise here.

Sitting on your butt is going to give you a heart attack among other things.

What Exercises Are Good for Heart Health?

Aerobic exercise and resistance training are the most important for heart health as reported by Johns Hopkins exercise physiologist Kerry J. Stewart, Ed.D. 

A combination of aerobic workouts (which, depending on your fitness level, can include walking, running, dancing, swimming, and other vigorous heart-pumping exercises) and strength training (weight lifting, resistance training) is considered best for heart health.

I love working out with free weights (such as hand weights, dumbbells or barbells)and using the weight machines at my local gym. I take Body Pump classes 3 times a week. I have a gym at home but find I’m more motivated to work out if I go to my group fitness classes. For most people, it’s difficult to stay consistent with workout routines, but having your tribe there waiting for you provides you with the motivation and accountability everyone needs to be successful.

Taking a fitness class is also another way to be social. Group fitness is also good for your emotional health too!

Exercise in Style and Comfort with Peach

Going to the gym may make you groan, especially in cold February when you would much rather curl up on the sofa and binge-watch your favorite shows on Netflix all day. But wearing the right clothes can benefit your health and encourage your desire to work out more.

I am wearing the Tilde Pullover in pale blue. This pullover will be your go-to chic sweatshirt for gym and play. Comfortable French Terry with stylish zipper details. Pair it with leggings or jeans and dress it up or down with boots, heels or your favorite kicks.

It also comes in blush and cloud. I wore the pullover in blush for this post.

The Dreamscape Reversible legging is a seriously stylish twofer designed for all your yoga sessions, workouts, and active adventures. Versatile and stylish; you’ll want to wear this legging on repeat, and with two different sides to choose from. I rolled up my legging to show you the solid pale blue side.

Features:

• Ultra-comfortable, wide, hi-rise waistband
• Internal pocket in waistband fits credit card
• Flatlock seams minimize chafe
• Wicking fabric, gusset
• Light compression
• Reversible:
  Serpentine print reverses to Dark Gray
  Matte Gray Camo print reverses to Gray
  Dreamscape print reverses to Pale Blue ( what I’m wearing)

Learn what it means to Go Red For Women to help women like you fight back:

G: GET YOUR NUMBERS

Ask your doctor to check your blood pressure and cholesterol.

O: OWN YOUR LIFESTYLE

Stop smoking, lose weight, exercise, and eat healthily.

It’s up to you. No one can do it for you.

R: REALIZE YOUR RISK

We think it won’t happen to us, but heart disease kills one of three women.

E: EDUCATE YOUR FAMILY

Make healthy food choices for you and your family.

Teach your kids the importance of staying active.

D: DON’T BE SILENT

Tell every woman you know that heart disease is our No. 1 killer.

You can also read a post I wrote a while back about the effects of menopause has on the heart.

Thank you for stopping by today!

This post contains affiliate links that may generate income for Hello I’m 50ish.

Hugs!