People who exercise regularly are less likely to develop high blood pressure. Aerobics and resistance training have the ability to lower blood pressure, effects that are largely independent of weight loss.
A single exercise session can reduce blood pressure by 5 to 7 mm/hg; this reduction may persist for as long as twenty-two hours. In just one to two weeks after returning to a sedentary lifestyle the high blood pressure benefits are reduced. Aerobic exercise is more beneficial than strength training in reducing blood pressure; however strength training should still be performed.
Tips
- Exercise daily
- Start with twenty minutes and progress to sixty minutes
- Avoid high-intensity weight training and be careful not to bear down and hold your breath
- Warm up and cool down
- Work on flexibility
- Consult your doctor before starting any exercise program