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February is American Heart Month and the correlation between strength training and cardiovascular health is promising!
Heart disease is largely preventable. With February kicking off American Heart Month, we’re focusing on optimal health and ways to incorporate healthy habits into your everyday life. At National Fitness Campaign we believe that fitness should be accessible to everyone, regardless of zip code, ability or income level which is why we’re on a mission to build free outdoor Fitness Courts® within a 10-minute bike as we explore the incredible benefits of bodyweight strength training in the fight against cardiovascular disease.
Resistance Training and the Power of Better Sleep
Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of mortality in America and across the globe. The good news is that you can significantly lower your risk simply by moving more. Beyond traditional cardiovascular exercises, bodyweight resistance training emerges superior in improving sleep quality, another major factor when it comes to heart health. Insufficient sleep has been linked to weight gain, diabetes and inflammation, which are heart-related risk factors and can exacerbate cardiovascular disease. Too much or not enough sleep has been shown to increase the risk for stroke, heart attack and death.
"The Fitness Court® and these routines are allowing me to build strength, range of motion, cardiovascular capacity, and thus overall Fitness."
Bodyweight Strength Training: A Holistic Approach
Our free outdoor Fitness Courts® offer a dynamic environment for bodyweight strength training. Unlike conventional gym workouts, which come with expensive monthly memberships, this form of exercise utilizes your own body as resistance, engaging multiple muscle groups simultaneously. The holistic approach of the seven exercise stations not only builds strength but also enhances flexibility, balance, and overall functional fitness.
5 Heart-Healthy Benefits of Bodyweight Exercise:
- Improved Circulation: Bodyweight exercises stimulate blood flow, enhancing circulation and reducing the strain on the heart.
- Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for heart health. Bodyweight strength training helps in burning calories and building lean muscle mass, contributing to effective weight management.
- Lower Blood Pressure: Regular bodyweight workouts have been shown to contribute to lower blood pressure, reducing the risk of hypertension.
- Boosted Cardiovascular Endurance: Engaging in activities like squats, lunges, and push-ups improves cardiovascular endurance, allowing the heart to efficiently pump blood and oxygen throughout the body.
- Stress Reduction: Chronic stress is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Bodyweight exercises release endorphins, promoting a sense of well-being and reducing stress.
One person dies every 33 seconds in the United States from cardiovascular disease. But if we work together, we can build accessible and free outdoor gyms and grow the Fitness Court® network to every community in America. Fitness Courts® eliminate barriers to entry, making it easier for individuals of all fitness levels and abilities to embark on a heart-healthy journey.
By embracing this holistic approach, we empower individuals to take charge of their heart health, foster a sense of community, and make fitness a part of their daily lives. Join us at National Fitness Campaign in the mission to unlock heart health through the power of free outdoor Fitness Courts® and bodyweight strength training.
