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Tuesday 28 July 2015

Happy healthy heart




Keeping healthy is a big part in our lives. We eat well, we exercise regularly but are we doing the best we can to keep our heart happy?

The heart is the main organ in your body, it is made of cardiac muscle and is the only organ of it's kind as cardiac muscle never tires. Your heart never stops for rest so we need to look after it!

1. Cardiovascular activity 
Do not worry I am not telling you to go run a marathon! Simply make yourself active for at least 30 minutes a day whether that is walking, running, cycling, swimming and guess what? You can even walk around the shops! But the sweatier the better... challenge your heart to keep it fighting fit!

2. Please do not smoke
The more you smoke the more pressure you will put on your heart, try your best to put down the cigarettes! You can do it!

3. Red meat
Do not worry meat lovers! You do not have to cut it out all together, I am just asking if you can please cut it down to two times a week. Red meat is not good for your heart as it contains more cholesterol and saturated fat than fish and chicken. Sorry! Cut it down to save clogging up those arteries, this will reduce the risk of heart attack, heart disease and stroke.

4. Replace that red meat with FISH
Oily fish is great for your body. Salmon, sardines and tuna all contain omega 3 which is perfect for helping against heart disease.

5. Stress
Stop stressing, it's bad! Try to unwind by taking up a yoga class...if that sounds a bit much, what about knitting or meditation? A good night's sleep will do wonders too!

6. Salt
Lay off that salt! When you eat out at restaurants especially fast food, their food can be loaded with salt. Try not to add anymore or chose your dish wisely, break the habit of the salt shaker!

7. Keep an eye on that waist line
It is handy to keep an eye on your weight, being in a healthy weight range is a good start! Eat well and exercise regularly. If you are struggling to get to that goal weight, write a food an exercise diary and review it yourself or get someone else too. The best start is to find the problem.

In conclusion my little tips are keep moving, lift some weights, do not smoke, swap your steak for fish and here's the best news, antioxidants are great too! So a glass of red wine and some dark chocolate are perfect just please do not over do it! Everything in moderation!

Richard Taylor Personal Training Club
www.richardtaylorpt.co.uk

"Changing your lifestyle to incorporate exercise and proper nutrition is not easy. But it is definitely a journey with endless rewards that are well worth achieving"