Since it is February and Valentine's Day is just around the corner, I thought it would be fitting that I write about your heart, maybe even a couple of times before the month is over.
Heart Disease, not just cardiovascular disease, is everywhere. I can name at least 5-10 people close to me that have heart disease or who have passed away due to heart disease and I am not even including my grandparents. How about you? I am betting you could do the same.
Did you know that your heart is a muscle? It is, and just like every other muscle it needs to be exercised in order to work in the most efficient manner. Even though your heart is only about the size of an adult fist weighs less than 1 pound, it is obvious to state the importance. The hearts primary purpose is to deliver oxygen. The oxygen is necessary for every life-sustaining process that happens within your body.
Cardio training makes your heart stronger, so that it can pump more blood. Cardio training also increases the size of your left ventricle, which is responsible for delivering all the oxygen saturated blood to the organs, tissues and cells of your body. Resistance training is also helpful in strengthening your heart. Regular resistance training increases your hearts ability to contract and send blood to the muscles you are working.
So, what are you going to do for your heart this February? Leave me a comment and let me know. Are you going to add ONE day of exercise to your week? Are you going to add some strength training? Set a goal and commit to it! If you leave me a comment I promise to check up on you.
My goal right now is to complete the Master the Met. On March 23, I will be climbing the 42 floors of the Metropolitan Square Building in downtown St. Louis. I have a website set up where I am collecting donations to the American Lung Association. I have to raise $100. Please consider contributing a small amount. I would be forever grateful.
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