| High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a | | | | persistence, you need to incorporate the |
| common problem. One reason is that medication | | | | exercises into your daily life. In order to increase |
| can only reduce the problem, not cure it. In most | | | | your chances of success, you should focus on |
| cases, the best way to lower your blood | | | | activities you enjoy. If it feels like a punishment, |
| pressure is to change your life style. | | | | you will most likely give up quickly. |
| For most people, more physical activity is | | | | The best but also the toughest way is to |
| necessary. Lack of exercise is one of the main | | | | exercise first thing in the morning. Make sure that |
| suspected causes of hypertension. Note that | | | | you get up early so that you can go for a walk |
| exercise will cause your blood pressure to rise for | | | | before breakfast. Even better is jogging, as long |
| a short time. However, once you stop the | | | | as you are fit enough to handle it. A more |
| activity, it soon returns back to normal levels. The | | | | comfortable solution is to use an exercise bike at |
| quicker it does this, the fitter you are. | | | | home. Treadmills and cross trainer machines are |
| Most people suffering from hypertension should | | | | better but also more expensive. |
| be able to increase their physical activity level | | | | If you have the opportunity, go for a walk during |
| safely. However, if your blood pressure is really | | | | lunch time. Even better would be to go to a gym |
| high, it may have to be lowered with medication | | | | for some light to medium exercises. Make sure |
| before you start exercising. Always consult your | | | | that you also get your mind off work at the |
| doctor before starting a new exercise program. | | | | same time. |
| You should focus on aerobic exercises, which are | | | | In the evening, you should try to squeeze in |
| good for your heart and blood vessels. Walking, | | | | activities you enjoy. It can be tennis twice a |
| jogging and swimming are suitable activities. At | | | | week together with swimming twice a week plus |
| least in the beginning, you should avoid isometric | | | | a long walk during the weekend. |
| exercises, such as heavy weight lifting. These | | | | Physical activity will help to lower your blood |
| activities will put an extra strain on heart and | | | | pressure but it's unlikely to be enough on its own. |
| blood vessels. | | | | If hypertension is a problem for you, combine |
| Try to exercise for at least 30 minutes three to | | | | exercises with other changes to get better |
| five times a week. It is much better to exercise | | | | results. Healthier diet and stress reduction are two |
| often than trying to make one or two big | | | | of most important changes you should consider. |
| sessions every week. The key to success is | | | | |