World Heart Day 2016: 'Power Your Life' with these five great exercises for a healthy heart!

Zee Media Bureau

New Delhi: We always train and exercise to remain fit and healthy physically, but have you ever indulged in physical activity thinking that you're doing it for a healthy heart?

There are many people who feel that eating healthy is the best way to maintain a healthy heart, but exercising to maintain good heart health is equally important.

Having a healthy heart matters more than having a fit body, because a weak heart in a healthy body is of no use.

Therefore, on World Heart Day, we give you five exercises that will improve your heart health and keep you hale and hearty all the way!

1. Lane swimming:

Leisure swimming is one thing, but if you want to keep your heart healthy, lane swimming is the one for you. Not just your heart, lane swimming will also keep your lung health in check. So hit the pool for good heart health!

2. Weight training:

If you suffer or know someone suffering from heart disease, you need to begin some intense weight training. It is good for your heart as well as bone health. The best way to do this is use your own body as the weights – try push-ups, pull-ups, etc., and adjust the tempo of your movements to increase the difficulty.

3. Running:

This is one of the best ways to keep your heart as well as yourself fit as a fiddle. Normal running is good, however, running in intervals will really push your cardiovascular fitness to the next level. As per doctors, 10-second intervals are all you need.

4. Yoga:

The fact that this ancient, traditional Indian practice is being adopted as a way of life all over the world, should be a good enough reason for you to take it up if you want to maintain good heart health. Since, Yoga uses breathing and meditative techniques to keep you healthy, it offers a wide range of cardiovascular benefits.

5. Cycling:

Regular cycling can substantially reduce your risk for coronary heart disease, according to a large study done by the British Medical Association. The best way to do it is to set a goal for yourself regarding the distance you want to cover. The physical exertion you subject your leg muscles to, elevate your heart rate, which helps to improve not only your cardiovascular fitness but also burns calories. It is also good for mental health.