By Betty Murray

It probably goes without saying that exercise is one of the most important factors in maintaining a healthy heart. Along with a healthy diet and proper nutrition, living an active lifestyle and getting plenty of exercise will go a long way in preventing heart disease and keeping your heart healthy.

What is it about exercise that is so healthy for your heart? Regular aerobic exercise has numerous heart-healthy benefits. When you exercise regularly, you strengthen your heart and cardiovascular system improving circulation throughout your body and helping your body use oxygen more efficiently.

An active lifestyle and regular aerobic exercise can also lower blood pressure and reduces body fat. Excess body fat can be damaging to your heart, because the more you weigh, the harder your heart has to work to pump blood throughout your body. While any exercise is good for you, aerobic exercise, which is steady physical activity that utilizes large muscle groups, is most beneficial. Over time, aerobic exercise can help decrease heart rate and blood pressure.

To receive all the benefits of exercise, be sure you are getting 20-30 minutes of aerobic exercise each day. While exercise is necessary to maintain a healthy heart, that doesn’t mean it can’t be fun. If you prefer to work out with others, check out a group aerobic exercise class at your local gym like spin, boot camp, kick boxing or even Zumba. Along with the motivation you get from working out with others, you’ll also be exercising under the supervision of a certified instructor who can guide you through your workout.

A sedentary lifestyle can lead to weight gain and even obesity. Being overweight significantly increases your risk of developing heart disease and diabetes. If you are currently overweight, it’s time to begin a low-calorie diet and start getting regular exercise. For a healthy heart, it’s absolutely crucial that you maintain a healthy weight.

Speak with your healthcare provider before beginning any exercise program.

Betty Murray, CN, HHC, RYT is a Certified Nutritionist & Holistic Health Counselor, founder of the Dallas-based integrative medical center, Wellness and founder of the Metabolic Blueprint wellness program. Betty’s nutrition counseling practice specializes in metabolic and digestive disorders and weight loss resistance. A master of the biochemistry of the body, Betty teaches her clients how to utilize nutritional interventions to improve their health. Betty is a member of the Institute of Functional Medicine and the National Association of Nutrition Professionals.