Exercises to lower blood pressure may include aerobic ones to help promote weight loss, such as walking, jogging, or swimming. They may also include exercises to help stretch the body and relax, such as yoga or Pilates, which can help to reduce stress levels as well as increase physical fitness. Anyone who has been diagnosed with high blood pressure should check with a doctor before beginning any new exercise routine; even though exercises to lower blood pressure may be beneficial, a doctor may impose some restrictions on heart rate, for example, to prevent potential danger. This is especially true if one is taking blood pressure medication.
Walking is one of the best exercises to lower blood pressure. People are able to start slowly, even with just a few minutes per day, and gradually increase the walking pace as well as the time or distance spent walking. This will promote weight loss, which can automatically help to lower blood pressure, as well as reduce stress. Other forms of aerobic activity may be beneficial; these include jogging, swimming, bicycling, hiking, or using exercise machines at a gym such as an elliptical or stair stepper.
Any exercise that gets the body moving can work as a way to lower blood pressure. Some people find that gentle workouts offer better exercises to lower blood pressure. This may include some weight lifting, such as with the use of smaller hand weights. Yoga and Pilates are also excellent exercises to lower blood pressure because they help to increase strength and flexibility while reducing stress. Some people also try meditation or deep breathing exercises to reduce stress and attempt to lower the blood pressure naturally. Nearly all types of exercise can be beneficial when attempting to lower blood pressure, as long as they are performed safely.
This means starting slowly, warming up and cooling down after each workout, and staying hydrated. Making dietary changes in conjunction with an exercise routine, such as cutting back on salt and trying to eat in a healthier way to promote weight loss, can also be very effective at lowering blood pressure. It is important to continue to take any blood pressure medication as prescribed by a doctor until told otherwise, even with making dietary and exercise changes. A doctor will be able to closely monitor blood pressure and be sure it is staying in normal ranges. As fitness improves, certain exercise restrictions may also be lifted.