Exercise is good for your heart – make sure it gets enough!

[23 September 2010 - 11h25]

Thinking of taking up a sport again? That’s an excellent idea as it’s one of the best ways of staying in good health. No matter what age you are, exercise is always highly recommended. But with two provisos: moderation and regularity.

If we don’t make good use of our body, it will grow weak – just like a car that has been left standing for years and that goes rusty and the engine is ruined. But it’s never too late to dig out your trainers – quite the opposite in fact. The important thing is to take a few basic precautions.

For example, suddenly deciding to enter a marathon is not a good idea. Nor is acting like Tarzan. Unless of course you want to put your life in danger…

It’s best to begin with a medical check-up, even if you’re feeling fit and healthy because you need to spare a thought for your heart! As we grow older, the heart finds it more difficult to cope. If you are over the age of 40, for example, your doctor will probably arrange for you to have an effort electrocardiogram. This is very important for determining the pace of exercise your heart is able to cope with. Next, before each exercise session, find time to warm up – this is an essential part of the exercise process.

Cycling, swimming, exercise classes… the choice is yours. But it’s worth remembering that half an hour of walking each day is sufficient to keep your body in good shape. It improves blood circulation, protects the arteries, prevents cardiovascular disease and high blood pressure and has a direct effect on weight. Exercise also slows down the ageing process … in particular the development of osteoporosis, which one woman in three is at risk of getting after the age of 50. So exercise has nothing but positives to offer. But don’t forget that sport and exercise should first and foremost be about enjoyment!

© 1996-2012 Destination Santé SAS - All Rights Reserved. No information contained on this server can be reproduced or retransmitted without prior written consent of Destination Santé. Offenders will be prosecuted in consideration of articles L 122-4 and L 335-3 of the Code of Intellectual Property, allowing up to two years' imprisonment and a 150,000 euros fine.