You probably hear it all the time… getting enough cardio is SO important! Yes – it is crucial for keeping your heart happy and healthy for years to come.

You might wonder, what are the best and most beneficial exercises for maintaining good heart health and how long should we be exercising for?

I’m here to break it down for you!

1. Aerobic Exercise
Aerobic exercises can improve circulation and result in lowered blood pressure and heart rate. I encourage you to do aerobic exercise for at least 30 minutes a day, five days a week. This could be a power walk, jog, run, cycling, or swimming. Basically anything that really gets your blood pumping! These types of exercises can also help reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes and, if you already have diabetes, it helps you control your blood glucose.

 

2. Resistance Training 
Resistance training mainly affects body composition. This is great for people who carry a lot of excess fat, especially around their belly area. These kinds of exercises help reduce fat and increase muscle mass, and a good combo of resistance training and aerobic exercise can help raise HDL (good) cholesterol and lower LDL (bad) cholesterol. Typically, two nonconsecutive days per week of resistance training is best and it’s as simple as adding two free weights to your exercise routine or working with resistance machines at the gym. Check out The Bridal Body Workout Guide for a super effective workout plan.

 

3. Stretching, Flexibility, Balance
Stretching, flexibility, and balance don’t directly benefit heart health, but they do benefit musculoskeletal health, which ensures that you’re able to maintain your aerobic and resistance exercises. It all works together to benefit your body! It’s best to stretch every day and before/after exercising. I also love adding in at least two weekly yoga sessions. All you need is a yoga mat and a little bit of space to have a regular yoga practice at home. Working on your flexibility and mobility should be an important part of your wellness routine.

Engaging in both cardiovascular and muscle strengthening activities on a regular basis will ensure your heart is ready to go and take on every single day! I hope this gives you the motivation to add in regular cardio workouts! If you need some healthy meals to go along with your exercise routine, be sure to check out my free bridal nutrition plan!