The Heart of the Matter

With February being “Heart Health Month”, it is a great time to challenge the most important muscle in the body: Your Heart!  Yes, we have muscles all throughout our bodies, most of them much larger than our heart, but it is just as important to train your heart and develop its capacity, to improve the efficiency of the blood that gets pumped all throughout your whole body!

So, set a time, each day through the month of February, to lift your heart rate.  It doesn’t have to be for a long period of time.  Start with 10 minutes.  Put on your favourite music, and jump rope, go for a power walk, go for a run, or try an aerobics class. 

If you are currently a runner, train your body differently by incorporating sprints into your run.  Jog/Run at your set pace, then increase the intensity for 30-90 seconds, then return back to your regular jog/run speed.

If you’re new to working out, it is very important to check with your doctor first, to make sure your “exercise dose” is not too strenuous as a start.  Remember the little steps are what count.  Slowly incorporating some type of activity into your day is how you and your body will adapt to making it a part of your everyday life!

So, start moving and have fun!