Exercising with High Blood Pressure

When your doctor tells you that you have high blood pressure, one of the first things he will ask you to do is get more exercise. 

Exercise has many great health benefits for people with high blood pressure. Exercise lowers blood pressure directly by making your heart stronger and allowing it to work less hard. It also helps lower stress, which will lead to lower blood pressure as well. On top of that, exercising will help you maintain a healthy weight, which will keep your blood pressure lower. 

Since you have high blood pressure:

- It's important to listen to your body! If you feel like something is wrong, stop and ask your doctor on your next visit.

- Don't hold your breath. It can cause your blood pressure to rise.

- Don't work too hard; it will only raise your blood pressure more.

Some tips to get started:

- Find something fun to do for exercise. 

- Get someone to workout with you and make sure you stick with it. 

- Don't overdo it! If you do, you'll stop wanting to work out.

- Try different things so you don't get bored. 

Videos and classes like these are great ways to get active. Find a class to take at your local gym, or if you're strapped for cash, find a video on YouTube and gather some friends to work out with you!

How much exercise do I need?

Sources:

Mayo Clinic

American Heart Association

Centers for Disease Control

World Health Organization