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With heart disease on the rise, keeping your heart healthy has never been more important. Physical activity and regular exercise are some of the most effective ways to promote an overall healthy lifestyle and heart health. In this blog, we’ll highlight 9 simple yet powerful exercises you can start today to keep your heart in tip-top shape and keep your body functioning optimally.

Why a Heart Health is Important

Maintaining a healthy heart is essential for overall health for many reasons.

Some of the many possible benefits include:

• Higher energy levels
• Improved physical fitness
• Lower risk of heart disease, including heart attacks and strokes
• Better aging and quality of life
• A prolonged lifespan

Best Exercises for a Healthy Heart

1. Walking

Walking is one of the most accessible forms of exercise and is an excellent way to get your heart rate up, improve cardiovascular fitness and promote a healthy heart. In fact, according to a study by the British Journal of Sports Medicine, getting 9,000 to 10,000 steps per day can lower the risk of developing cardiovascular disease by 21%. 

Related: 

How to Start a Walking Routine

Upping Your Step Count May Increase Your Lifespan

2. Yoga

Yoga can be a great exercise option for heart health. A slower yoga practice can help improve flexibility and reduce stress, whereas styles like Vinyasa or Power Yoga can elevate the heart rate and improve circulation, both leading to improved heart health.

3. Swimming

Swimming is an excellent way to dive into physical activity. It’s gentle on the joints and accessible to many, making it a perfect choice for those who might find more intense exercises challenging. In fact, a study found that “cardiovascular disease mortality risk was 41% lower in those who reported participating in swimming” than those who reported participating in no sports.

4. HIIT

High-intensity interval training, or HIIT, consists of short bursts of fast-paced exercises that quickly get your body into a fat-burning state. This is ideal for a healthy heart because the rapid increase and decrease in heart rate can strengthen your heart and improve circulation. 

5. Kickboxing

This fun and energy-filled workout will increase your heart rate and help boost endurance. The blend of punching, kicking, and intense movements not only helps reduce stress levels but also builds strength and stamina, leading to a healthy heart.

6. Circuit Training

Circuit training is another ideal activity for heart health because you perform a series of exercises one after another, combining strength-based exercises with a mix of cardio which elevates your heart rate, builds muscle and improves endurance. 

7. Pickleball

Pickleball is a fast-paced game that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. This sport has rapidly grown in popularity as it’s easy to learn and a good way to get a fun, full-body workout while improving your reflexes and cardiovascular health.

8. Cycling

Cycling is another popular exercise that can improve cardiovascular health. You can ride outside and enjoy the great outdoors or train inside on a stationary bike. This low-impact exercise helps to strengthen muscles, improve endurance, and can be adapted to any fitness level.

9. Dancing

Whether it’s a night on the town or a Zumba class at the gym, dancing is a fantastic way to promote a healthy heart. Whole body movement, increased heart rate and positive energy all contribute to a healthy body.

Partaking in one or more of these exercises is a great way to promote a healthy lifestyle and heart health. Another great way to protect the hearts of those around you is by being prepared for emergencies with the life-saving skills of CPR. You never know when a medical situation could arise where you could save a life. Register today for an online or in person session and gain the skills and confidence to respond effectively and keep a nearby heart beating strong when it matters most.

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HeartCert is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR, First Aid, CNA, IV, EKG and more, throughout the United States.

Courses include CPR/AED/First Aid, Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Certified Nursing Assistant training, IV training, EKG training, babysitter basics and more. Courses and certifications from both the American Heart Association and American Red Cross are available.We offer virtual courses and certifications, in all 50 states as well as in-person classes at our headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan and major cities in Iowa, Illinois, Georgia, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nebraska, Pennsylvania, Texas and Wisconsin.

Breakfast is often referred to as the most important meal of the day. Eating a healthy breakfast each morning helps fuel your body to stay energized. Because of this, it’s essential to choose foods that will leave you feeling satiated and energized and not weighed down and sluggish. Choosing a heart-healthy option not only allows you to tackle the day but also promotes a healthy heart and potentially contributes to increased longevity.

Heart Healthy Breakfasts That Promote Longevity

A heart-healthy breakfast sets the stage for your entire day’s nutrition intake. Start your day with whole grains, fruits, and lean proteins to fuel your body and protect your heart. Incorporating fiber and healthy fats while avoiding excess sugars and processed foods makes a difference in how you feel throughout the day and your overall well-being. With mindful choices, you can enjoy delicious and nutritious meals that support long-term heart health. Here are several heart-healthy breakfast options we’ve found to add to your morning meal rotations.

Sweet Potato Breakfast Scramble

Sweet potatoes are an excellent heart-healthy food option. They are filling due to their high fiber content and contain several vitamins and antioxidants, which help lower cholesterol and reduce inflammation. Sweet potatoes can be made to be sweet or savory for breakfast. Top them with yogurt, fruit and honey, or chop them and saute them with veggies and eggs.

Sweet Potato Breakfast Scramble Recipe From Land of 10,000 Recipes:

Sweet Potato Breakfast Scramble

Fruit Oatmeal Yogurt Parfaits

With fresh fruit, hearty oatmeal, and protein-packed yogurt, this trio creates a delicious and heart-healthy breakfast option. Choosing fruits like blueberries and blackberries keeps the glycemic index relatively low and adds antioxidants that promote longevity.

Fruit Oatmeal Yogurt Parfait Recipe From American Heart Association:

Fruity Oatmeal Yogurt Parfaits

Are You Eating Enough Fiber for Heart Health? 

Veggie Omelet

A veggie omelet is another nutritious breakfast choice, as it combines egg whites or a mix of whole eggs with a variety of vegetables. The vegetables add fiber, vitamins, and minerals that help reduce heart disease risk. Using egg whites can lower cholesterol intake, while whole eggs provide essential nutrients for overall health.

Veggie Omelet Recipe From EatingWell:

Vegetable Filled Omelets

Related Read: Top Ten Tips for Choosing Heart-Healthy Snacks 

Avocado Toast with Whole Grain Bread

Avocado toast is a popular meal that can be enjoyed for any meal, but most commonly served at breakfast. It is a heart-healthy option due to its high content of monounsaturated fats from avocado, which helps lower bad cholesterol levels. Whole grain bread provides fiber, which supports heart health by improving digestion and stabilizing blood sugar levels. Adding an egg boosts protein intake, further supporting overall health.

Avocado Toast Recipe From Skinny Taste: 

Avocado Toast with Sunny Side Egg

Chia Seed Pudding

Chia seed pudding is a heart-healthy breakfast option due to its high omega-3 fatty acid content, which helps reduce inflammation and improve heart health. It can be made in a variety of ways; add a dollop of nut butter for healthy fats and protein or by adding fresh fruits that provide antioxidants and vitamins.

Chia Seed Pudding Recipe From EatingWell:

Chia Seed Pudding

Looking for more ideas? Here’s 23 more heart-healthy breakfast recipes from EatingWell.

23 Heart-Healthy Breakfast Recipes in 15 Minutes

Selecting heart-healthy breakfasts can make a difference in maintaining cardiovascular heart health. Choosing whole foods, high-fiber options, and healthy fats to support heart wellness and lower your risk of heart disease. Be mindful of portion sizes and try to limit processed foods. With some planning and preparation, you can make your breakfast both nutritious and heart-friendly, contributing to a longer, healthier life. 

Want to know another way to make a difference and protect the hearts around you? CPR training is a valuable skill that can save lives when every second counts. Sign up for an in-person or online session today.

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HeartCert is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR, First Aid, CNA, IV, EKG and more, throughout the United States.

Courses include CPR/AED/First Aid, Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Certified Nursing Assistant training, IV training, EKG training, babysitter basics and more. Courses and certifications from both the American Heart Association and American Red Cross are available.We offer virtual courses and certifications, in all 50 states as well as in-person classes at our headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan and major cities in Iowa, Illinois, Georgia, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nebraska, Pennsylvania, Texas and Wisconsin.