Why Strength Training Is Good for Your Heart

<p>We all know exercise is good for our heart — but most people still think that means cardio.</p><p>In this episode, I’m joined by Emily McGrath, Senior Cardiac Nurse at the British Heart Foundation, to talk about why strength training deserves a place in the conversation about cardiovascular health.</p><p>Emily shares some of the most common worries she hears from people after a heart diagnosis, from palpitations and medication to the fear of exercising again. We talk about why a heart problem can completely change the way you see your body — and why people can end up treating themselves as far more fragile than they really are.</p><p>We also talk about the evidence for strength training and heart health, including its effects on blood pressure, and why getting stronger can make everyday life easier as we age.</p><p>Emily shares her own experience of starting strength training, despite initially feeling intimidated by it, and we discuss how to begin without needing to become a gym person, lift enormous weights or completely overhaul your life.</p><p>Finally, we talk about the British Heart Foundation’s <strong>Strong Woman Challenge</strong>, a free 31-day challenge designed to help women try strength training at home and build confidence with it.</p><p>Because cardio is excellent for your heart. <strong>But it doesn’t have to do all the work.</strong></p><p><strong>In this episode:</strong></p><ul><li>Why people can feel frightened of exercise after a cardiac diagnosis</li><li>Palpitations, smart watches and health anxiety</li><li>Why strength training is still overlooked in heart health</li><li>The effect resistance training can have on blood pressure</li><li>Starting strength training when you feel intimidated or unsure</li><li>Why our bodies are often less fragile than we imagine</li><li>Strength, function and maintaining independence as we age</li><li>Cutting through the noise about strength training in midlife</li><li>The BHF Strong Woman Challenge</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Join the October challenge here  <a href="http://www.bhf.org.uk/strongwoman" target="_blank">www.bhf.org.uk/strongwoman</a></p>