Exercises that Strengthens the Heart and AHA Nashville CPR Classes

Being physically active ensures good heart health and is one of the most effective tools for strengthening heart muscle, keeping weight under control and warding off artery damage from high blood sugar, high cholesterol and high blood pressure that can lead to a heart attack (myocardial infarction) and stroke. Although physical activity is a major step towards good heart health, different types of exercise are needed to provide complete fitness. Aerobic exercise and resistance training are the most important for the health of your ticker. When talking about flexibility, although it doesn’t contribute directly to ticker health but it provides a good foundation for performing aerobic and strength exercises more effectively.

The best way to deal with out-of-hospital cardiac emergencies (heart attack or cardiac arrest) is by joining an American Heart Association CPR class Nashville at an accredited training site. If you belong to the Nashville region in TN, don’t look beyond the AHA certified CPR Nashville where certified instructors conduct the classes through a series of audio and video lectures and hands-on practice.

Exercises that boosts heart health:

Aerobic Exercise- This kind of exercise includes brisk walking, running, swimming, cycling, playing tennis and jumping rope. Heart-pumping aerobic exercise is the kind that healthcare providers have in mind when they recommend at least 150 minutes per week of moderate activity. It improves circulation which results in lowered blood pressure and heart rate. It helps your cardiac output (how well your ticker pumps). People with diabetes should consider this exercise as it helps to control blood glucose.

Resistance Training- The training involves working out with free weights like hand weights, dumbbells or barbells, on weight machines, with resistance bands or through body-resistance exercises, such as push-ups, squats and chin-ups. The training has a more specific effect on body composition. People who carry a lot of body fat should consider this as it can help reduce fat and create leaner muscle mass. According to research, a combination of aerobic exercise and resistance training helps raise HDL (good) cholesterol and lower LDL (bad) cholesterol.

Flexibility, stretching- Doctors tend to recommend basic stretches that one can do at home and Tai chi and yoga can improve these skills. Stretching is an important part of flexibility workout that doesn’t directly contribute to ticker health but benefits musculoskeletal health, which enables you to stay flexible and free from joint pain, cramping and other muscular issues. Remember, flexibility is a critical part of being able to maintain aerobic exercise and resistance training. Additionally, flexibility and balance exercises help maintain stability and prevent falls which can cause injuries that can act as a barrier for other kinds of exercise. This should be performed every day and before and after other exercise.

For more information or to join a CPR course in Nashville, contact CPR Nashville on 615-397-9316.