Best Exercise Over 50, According to a Cardiologist

Karol Watson, MD, a heart specialist and co-director of the UCLA preventative cardiology program, says that the perfect train for these over 50 is strolling. That is as a result of, so simple as it’s, strolling is probably the most foundational, common exercise that virtually anybody can do. “One of the simplest ways to begin out [with an exercise program] is with common strolling,” she says. In reality, she says that strolling is simply as useful as some other form of cardio.

“Strolling has all the similar well being advantages of extra intense workout routines akin to running,” says Dr. Watson. The distinction? “You possibly can obtain the advantages sooner with, say, operating, however the advantages are the identical.” Your coronary heart charge goes up: test. Your legs are transferring and also you’re working your whole muscle tissues: test and test. The weather are all there, however strolling occurs to be probably the most accessible, least dangerous type of train for older health goers. “Strolling is accessible to most everybody and it is related to decrease charges of damage,” she says. In comparison with many different exercises, it is a lot simpler on the joints because it’s low-impact (versus operating, throughout which you are pounding the pavement).

Simply because strolling is so easy doesn’t suggest it must be boring. There are numerous methods to boost your steps. Dr. Watson recommends beginning gradual after which working your method as much as a extra brisk tempo. Her tip? “Attempt to get to the tempo of the tune ‘Staying Alive’.” So you can power walk, or you may stream a walking workout to information you. You would stroll on an incline to up the resistance issue. Holding onto weights can add an arm exercise to your steps, or you can even attempt Nordic walking, which engages greater than 80 % of your muscle tissues.

Earlier than you lace up, nevertheless, Dr. Watson recommends checking together with your physician. “If in case you have any medical situations, at all times see your healthcare supplier earlier than starting an train program,” she says. Apart from that, the OG low-impact exercise is yours for the taking. *Cue the tune “Stroll This Method”*

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