Is strength training safe for people with high blood pressure?

This Week's Tip Is strength training safe for people with high blood pressure? Many people with hypertension avoid strength training because they are afraid that it will increase their blood pressure. But research shows that these fears are generally unfounded.It's true that if you have high blood pressure, you should avoid strenuous strength-related activities, such as trying to open a sticking window or attempting to push a stalled car. Activities of this type (isometric strength training), may cause excessively high blood pressure responses and are potentially dangerous for many people with hypertension. Other than that, people with hypertension can follow a sensible strength training routine characterized by: Lifting lighter weights for a higher number of reps (12-15 reps) Moving continuously throughout each exercise (to avoid an isometric hold) NOT lifting maximum weights, performing isometric contractions, or holding your breath. (These practices result in excessive blood pressure responses and should be avoided.) Strength training alone isn't enough to help lower blood pressure, however. Cardio (aerobic) exercise offers the most benefits. More Exercise Guidelines for People with Hypertension More Tips for a Healthy Heart   Heart Friendly Recipe Lightened-Up Apple Crisp This healthy apple crisp recipe is sweet and simple to prepare but uses very little added sugar. Get the Recipe See More Healthy Heart Recipes Nutritional Info Servings Per Recipe: 9  Amount Per Serving  Calories: 127.4 Total Fat: 3.5 g Cholesterol: 0.0 mg Sodium: 33.9 mg Total Carbs: 25.2 g   Dietary Fiber: 2.5 g Protein: 1.5 g View full nutritional breakdown of Lightened-Up Apple Crisp by ingredient     From Our Healthy Heart Community Chaneg one letter to make a new word (Team Forum) NEW GAME: Two words... change one. (Team Forum) More Forum Posts...       Was this e-mail forwarded to you by a friend? Join the mailing list. Change your e-mail address   You get 1 SparkPoint for reading today's email.   You received this email because you signed up for one of SparkPeople's email newsletters. To unsubscribe please do not reply to this message. Instead, you can use this link to unsubscribe from this newsletter. To remove yourself by postal mail, send a letter or postcard with your email address to: SparkPeople.com, 310 Culvert Street Suite 301, Cincinnati, OH 45202 SparkPeople.com offers general information and is for educational purposes only. sparkpeople.com is not a prescription system and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You should consult your health-care provider before starting any nutrition or fitness program, and should consult with your provider about any concerns or questions. © 1999-2014 SparkPeople, All Rights Reserved | Terms and Conditions | Privacy Policy