Exercises to lower your blood pressure
20 June 2017
Professor Greg Whyte OBE, world-renowned sports scientist and Comic Relief trainer, on why exercise can help you lower your blood pressure.
As we age, controlling blood pressure is vital. The risk of cardiovascular disease doubles for each 20mmHg increase in your systolic reading. Shedding excess weight can significantly reduce this measure, while 30 minutes of moderate physical activity most days can lower it by 10mmHg. So try the following…
Learn more about blood pressure with our Blood Pressure hub
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Be strong
Strength exercises are linked to improvements in blood pressure control. Aim for two sessions a week doing such simple tasks as repeatedly standing up and sitting down on a chair, climbing the stairs or doing press-ups.
Your home muscle-strengthening programme
Get out of breath
Any form of aerobic exercise, such as walking, cycling or jogging, at an intensity that allows you to talk – but not sing – is useful.
Walking vs jogging: which is better for your health?
The ‘green gym’
Exercising in the great outdoors – a hill walk or park run – with interesting views can reduce your perception of effort. You’ll exercise for longer and more often.
Find a woodland workout near you
The ‘blue gym’
Swim lengths or try aquarobics. Combine two or three ‘green’ and ‘blue’ sessions each week.
Swimming for fitness
Relax
Combat stress with yoga, tai chi and pilates.
Learn more about tai chi
Learn more about yoga
Learn more about pilates
This article was first published in the July 2017 issue of Saga Magazine.
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The opinions expressed are those of the author and are not held by Saga unless specifically stated.
The material is for general information only and does not constitute investment, tax, legal, medical or other form of advice. You should not rely on this information to make (or refrain from making) any decisions. Always obtain independent, professional advice for your own particular situation.
