When we think about exercising for heart health, cardio is usually the first variation that comes to mind. While cardiovascular exercises are a great way to get your blood pumping, they may not be for everyone. Weightlifting and strength training are great for strengthening your heart. At Integrative Cardiology Center of Long Island, we provide an innovative approach to healthcare. Continue reading to learn about the heart health benefits of weightlifting.
How Can Weightlifting Benefit Your Heart Health?
It’s no secret that cardiovascular exercises are essential for maintaining good heart health, but weightlifting is also beneficial for your heart health. Pumping a little iron can strengthen your heart and improve your overall physique. Here are some of the heart benefits that come along with lifting weights:
Improves Blood Pressure
One of the most notable benefits of weightlifting is lowering the chance of life-changing strokes and heart attacks. Strength training can significantly lower blood pressure. Strength training increases blood flow and helps you build lean muscle, which gives your cardiovascular system more places to send blood. This reduces stress on the arterial walls, which lowers the risk of developing heart-related problems. Strength training consistently can keep your heart healthy for years to come.
Improves Sleep
Sleep and heart health are related. Poor sleep can trigger inflammation that can cause cellular damage to your cardiovascular system. Performing strength training exercises can help improve your sleep. Sleeping well can improve your quality of life because being well-rested lowers your chances of illness, reduces stress, and allows you to perform daily tasks better.
Reduces Fat Around the Heart
Visceral fat, or belly fat, is found in the abdominal cavity and around your body’s internal organs, including the heart. High levels of visceral fat are strongly associated with heart disease and death. Strength training is key in the fight against visceral fat. Increasing lean muscle mass speeds up the body’s metabolic rate, decreasing fat in the midsection and around the heart.
Contact Us
At Integrative Cardiology Center of Long Island, we provide patients with a personalized approach to treatment based on functional medicine. Our goal is to promote vitality and longevity by using lifestyle interventions for cardiovascular disease. Our FIT in Your Genes Programs can set you on the path to optimal health and wellness. Contact our office today to learn more about how we can help.