How Does Regular Exercise Promote Good Circulation?

The benefits of a regular exercise program include more than just having a well-toned body. Good circulation of your blood throughout your body can provide long-lasting positive effects to your health. Giving your body a moderate workout for 30 minutes five days a week can help lessen the chance of developing many heart-related diseases. Walking, jogging, swimming and dance aerobics are examples of weekly workouts you can do to decrease your risk of heat disease. Implement cross training into your weekly exercise routine for variety in your workout. Each workout should sustain your heart rate for at least 10 minutes to get the maximum benefit of improved health.

  1. The Heart

    • Probably the first part of your body to benefit from regular exercise is your heart. The average heart beats about 100,000 times in one day. Your heart is responsible for pumping about 2,000 gallons of blood throughout your body each day. To get this blood to different parts of your body takes a strong heart that's able to do this efficiently. Regular exercise makes your heart stronger so it won't have to work as hard as the heart of someone who doesn't exercise.

    Lower Resting Heart Rate

    • With regular exercise, you will notice a lower resting heart rate. Now stronger and more efficient, the heart doesn't need to work as hard to push the blood to the lower areas of your body, like your arms and legs. Resting heart rate decreases because the heart can hold more blood as it develops with exercise. Since more blood is pumped with each contraction, the heart beats fewer times per minute, improving circulation within the body.

    Lower Blood Pressure

    • Blood pressure consists of two measurements. The systolic number refers to the amount of pressure of the force that propels blood throughout your system. The diastolic number is the amount of pressure left when the heart relaxes between beats. Blood flow or circulation improves with regular exercise and lowers blood pressure readings.

    Fewer Varicose Veins

    • Exercises that involve the entire body, such as swimming or skiing, allow you to use your arms and legs more and promote circulation of blood throughout your body. Regular exercise not only improves leg strength, but it also improves vein strength. Stronger veins will lessen your risk of getting varicose veins. Weight control with exercise will give you the extra advantage in preventing or minimizing varicose veins.

    Considerations

    • Check with your physician or health care provider before starting any exercise program. Your doctor can monitor your progress over time through regular examinations or screenings. If you have a history of heart disease or problems, please consult your doctor immediately if you experience any discomfort with exercise.