The Most Important Muscle in your Body

The most important muscle in our body is the heart. Our heart resembles a gas pump in that if not taken care of it can clog, leak, or breakdown.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Nearly 2000 Americans die each day to heart disease. 1 Death Every 44 Seconds!
Our hearts crave movement and love to be lubed with freshly oxygenated blood. The problem begins when we move to little, eat the wrong foods and smoke. In return we are then labeled with hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, and obesity.
Now your heart is working overtime to get you through even the simplest of tasks. Though a very resilient muscle your heart wears down, arteries can become clogged, and it may even break by attacking back. Now your maintenance plan is going to cost you… Doctors, medicine, possible surgeries, maybe even your life.
Mending a broken heart is easier than one may think. Begin by eliminating bad choices and start giving your heart what it craves.

What exercises?
You may be thinking what type of exercise is best for my heart? First find an activity that you enjoy. This can be any activity that is continuous in nature and uses the largest muscle groups in your body.
Your heart will respond to these changes with gratitude in the form of better blood flow and easier breathing, allowing for greater energy levels. Are you taking care of your Pump?

How often should I exercise for a healthy heart?
In general, to achieve maximum benefits, you should gradually work up to an aerobic session lasting 30 to 60 minutes, at least three to four times a week. Exercising every other day will help you keep a regular aerobic exercise schedule. To begin your healthier heart fitness program please schedule a complimentary personal training appointment with a Results Personal Trainer.

What should my nutrition plan look like?
You should eat lean to have a healthy heart. Foods that are high in saturated fat can lead to high cholesterol. Help keep your cholesterol down by eating foods low in saturated fat; such as lean beef, chicken or turkey, fruits and veggies, low-fat yogurt or pasta. The health of your heart is important to us. Click here to receive a complimentary 7-day Heart Healthy Menu Plan.

For more information on getting started with a personal training program please contact Results Personal Training 509.783.5465 Ext. 127 or http://www.tricitycourtclub.com/

Written By: Ryan Vogt

Ryan Vogt, BS Sports and Fitness Management and NASM certified personal trainer is the fitness director at the Tri-City Court Club and LifeQuest Fitness Center, both private health clubs in Washington. Ryan also is a freelance writer, presenter and fitness consultant. Ryan can be reached at Ryan@tricitycourtclub.com or 509.783.5465 Ext. 127