Exercise is an essential part of healthy living, and vital for effective recovery after any cardiac event. Being inactive is also a risk factor for heart disease.
Unfortunately over half of all Australians aren’t getting the recommended amount of physical activity.
Why exercise?
Exercise has so many benefits for your health and well-being. It lowers the risk of heart disease, including stroke. It can also reduce the risk of some types of cancer, and of type 2 diabetes.
Regular exercise has been shown to:
- improve the efficiency of the heart muscle
- improve blood circulation
- increase muscle strength and flexibility
- prevent muscle soreness and injury after exercise
- maintain a stable weight
- increase ‘good’ cholesterol levels
- have positive effects on insulin resistance (use of sugars)
- protect from blood clotting
- aid healing
- promote a sense of well-being
- reduce stress levels and improve mood
Regular cardio-based physical activity enables the heart to achieve improved blood flow in the small vessels around it which may help reduce the risk of heart attack.
Articles to help get you started
- Recovery and Exercise After a Heart Attack
- Unlocking The Key To Health – Understanding Mobility
- Starting or returning to exercise: Seven easy steps!
- Unveiling the Power of Fitness: Exercising Smart on a Budget
Our Heart Health Club Movement Experts
Janelle Oliver-Droomer, Exercise Physiologist
Janelle is an Accredited Exercise Physiologist, Cardiac Technologist and Registered Cardiac Sonographer. Since 1992 she has worked as an Exercise Physiologist in trauma, spinal, neurological, amputee, orthopaedic, mental health and cardiac. She has also worked in all areas of acute Cardiac Diagnostic and Cardiac Intervention before her current role specialising as an Exercise Physiologist in Outpatient Cardiac Rehabilitation.
Having had her own health and physical hurdles, she is passionate about keeping the fittest and healthiest she can be. With regular exercise and good food she has seen first hand how her body can function at its best, enabling her to do all the outdoor activities she loves as well as keep up with her teenagers and Kelpie!
Read Janelle’s Guide on Returning to Exercise After a Heart Attack
Kieren Payne, Heart Health Club Trainer
Kieren Payne is the founder and owner of Altern8 Training in Sydney’s North Shore. He has been working in the health and fitness industry for over 15 years as a Strength and Conditioning coach and has an undergraduate degree in Sports and Exercise, a masters degree in Sports Science (Strength and Conditioning) and level 2 Strength and Conditioning coach accreditation from ASCA.
Kieren believes there are no limits when it comes to training and anyone of any age or any fitness level can build healthy fitness habits into their everyday life. Kieren is working with Heart Research Australia to provide Heart Health Club members with the tools and knowledge to start a new exercise program safely and build their fitness to improve their overall heart health.
