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Exercise and Staying Active

Regular physical activity — at least 30 minutes most days of the week — can lower your blood pressure. But that doesn't mean you have to join a gym. Any activity that gets you moving — even just walking — can help.

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Getting started safely1

Talk to your doctor before you start exercising, especially if:

  • You have heart trouble or have had a heart attack
  • You are older and are not used to exercising
  • You have a family history of heart disease at an early age
  • You have any other serious health problem

Moderate-level activities2

If it's been a while since you've exercised, you'll want to start gradually. Remember, becoming more physically active doesn't necessarily mean going to the gym and doing traditional exercises. It might mean doing more of the activities you already do, like:

  • Biking
  • Gardening
  • Washing and waxing the car
  • Stair-walking

Of course, if you want to challenge yourself, you can also try things like basketball, swimming, jumping rope, dancing, or any other type of aerobic exercise that gets your heart pumping. Regular moderate activity will make you feel better and may give you better results.

Next: high blood pressure and stress management

References

1. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Getting Started. Available at: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/hbp/prevent/p_active/start.htm. Accessed May 28, 2008.

2. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Moderate-Level Physical Activities. Available at: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/hbp/prevent/p_active/m_l_phys.htm. Accessed May 28, 2008.


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