Why Exercise Matters for Your Heart

Robin is exercising for her heart health

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.

Robin is wearing clothes from Peach

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.

Robin is exercising for her heart health

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.

Using bar bells is good strength training for better 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!

Using bar bells is good strength training for better heart health

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.

Robin is wearing athletic wear from Peach

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.

Robin is wearing athletic wear from Peach

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)

Using bar bells is good strength training for better heart health

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.

Robin is wearing athletic wear from Peach

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!

 

 

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6 Comments

  1. shelbeeontheedge1 says:

    I really need to get on the exercise train! I don’t know if I am just lazy or I really just hate exercise. Actually, I love outdoor activities but I live in this place where it snows 10 months a year…but there I go again making excuses! Thanks for this valuable information and giving me a good nudge! By the way, you look adorable in your cute work out wear! Thanks for linking up, Robin.

    Shelbee
    http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com

  2. My husband keeps saying that sitting is the new smoking. I just love my Peach items, and they do add inspiration to get off my butt.
    XOXO
    Jodie

  3. Valuable information Robin, we need to keep motivated and keep moving!

    Thank you for the important message 🌟

  4. Robin,

    This is all just great reminders of the simple but all so important things that we need to be always practicing in our lives.

    As I have heard it said, “Our health is our wealth.”

    And we look and feel so much better when we are active.

    Your workout outfits are amazing! I need to refresh my things. I’m much more motivated when I feel like I look good.🤣

    Rosemary

  5. You are so right Robin. Great advice. And that work-out gear is gorgeous.