Exercise to improve heart health!

Move your way to a healthy heart

From South Beach Diet


Aside from eating nutrient-dense, whole foods that are low in saturated fat, getting regular exercise is one of the most effective ways to improve heart health. Exercise not only helps you lose weight (and keep it off for the long haul), but it also makes your heart stronger. The goal is a minimum of 20 minutes of cardiovascular exercise (something as simple as a brisk walk fits the bill) most days of the week, along with a strengthening and stretching.

Fortunately, according to Dr. Arthur Agatston, preventive cardiologist and author of The South Beach Diet(tm), "Any amount of exercise is better than no exercise at all. If all you can spare is 15 minutes for a walk around the block on a busy day, then do it. If you want to break up your exercise, like into two 10-minute walks during the morning and evening, that's fine, too. Even taking the dog for a walk counts as exercise."

More good news: Exercise does not have to be expensive to be effective. Brisk walking, hiking, dancing, and swimming are all excellent ways to improve fitness, and they don't require any expensive equipment. Be advised that if you've never exercised or have been inactive for a long period of time, you should consult your physician before beginning any exercise routine. Join South Beach Diet!