What Type of Exercise Helps Lower High Blood Pressure?

Individuals with high blood pressure are at greater risks of suffering from heart attacks and strokes. When the blood pressure is elevated, the blood has a hard time moving through the arteries. Those with elevated blood pressures often have to take medications to regulate it; however, different types of aerobics exercises help lower high blood pressure. The American Heart Association recommends at least 30 minutes of aerobic activity five days a week in order to lower blood pressure.

Walking

• Walking is a simple type of exercise that helps lower high blood pressure. In the morning or in the afternoon, individuals can walk around their neighborhoods or in the local park. Another way to add walking to a daily routine is by parking farther away from buildings and taking the stairs.

Swimming

• The Blood Pressure Association lists swimming as a type of exercise that helps lower high blood pressure. Swimming is a gentle form of aerobic activity and is good for individuals with joint and knee pains.

Dancing

• Dancing is another form of exercise that lowers blood pressure. Individuals can dance at home with or without a DVD or they can enroll in dance classes in the community in order to add this activity to their aerobics regimen.

Mowing the Lawn

• The American College of Sports Medicine states that household chores can be included in the aerobic exercises that help lower high blood pressure. Mowing the lawn with a push mower works up the heart rate and, depending on the size of the yard, helps individuals achieve their 30 minutes of physical activity.

Jogging

• Once an individual with high blood pressure increases their stamina, they can add jogging to their list of aerobic activities.

Aerobics Classes

• Traditional aerobics classes help lower blood pressure. Beginning exerciser can do low-impact workouts and work up to advanced classes. Individuals can either choose to go to a gym or purchase exercise DVDs that they can do in their living rooms.

Relaxation Techniques

• Some forms of deep breathing exercise, like yoga, are other types of exercises that help lower high blood pressure. The Medical College of Wisconsin states that adding deep breathing to aerobics activities reduces stress, one of the key causes of high blood pressure.