Staying active isn’t always easy, especially for adults stuck in the usual 9-to-5. By the time the weekend approaches, most of us primarily spend this time catching up on sleep, binge-watching a new series, or maybe trying out a trending recipe. With such little free time, squeezing in some time for a good workout routine or high-energy activities can sometimes be hard, and almost feel impossible.
But even with packed schedules, making time to move is something we can’t afford to skip, especially when it comes to our hearts. Cardiovascular health plays a significant role in our overall well-being, and maintaining it doesn’t always require long, intense sessions.
Here are a few easy ways to stay active and improve your heart health, no-stress style!
- The ‘classics’: Marching and jogging in place are some of the most well-known and common low-energy exercises most of us can do. It does not require you to take up big spaces, nor does it take most of your energy. Doing low-impact exercises signals the heart to pump more oxygen and blood, thus improving the overall blood circulation and cardiovascular health of the body.
- Never miss an episode: Do some weight or yoga while catching up on the latest episodes of that series! This will help in increasing your flexibility, building muscle strength, improving your posture, and, more importantly, it boosts your heart health. It helps in regulating the blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels. At the same time, you won’t miss a moment of the series you’re watching.
- Park day with your pet! Some things are better done with a companion, same with exercising! You might want to spend your weekend going on a date with your dog in a park, in your backyard, or just along the road outside of your house. This will make you walk, or even jog and run, with your lovely pet. Aside from a great bonding idea, this will help in building strong bones, strengthening muscles, and improving cardiovascular fitness, not only yours but your furbaby’s as well!
- Move to the beat: Dancing to your favorite songs can also be beneficial for your heart and can be a great addition to your usual routine. This results in increased aerobic fitness, improved muscle tone and strength, and many more! It’s a fun way to enjoy your playlist while staying committed to an active lifestyle.
- Skip the elevator: Taking the stairs may sound a bit tiring for some people, but something as simple as skipping the elevator and taking the stairs already counts as exercise! Dr. Dennis Kerrigan from Henry Ford Health said that taking the stairs not only translates to better heart and overall health, but also lowers the risk of other conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer’s.
An active lifestyle doesn’t need intense workouts or going out to the gym. It’s about finding simple ways to move, even in the middle of busy and packed schedules. When small, consistent movements add up, it makes a big impact on your heart health and overall well-being: keeping your heart strong, your energy steady, and your lifestyle balanced.
The moment you choose to keep moving, whether through light activity or mindful breaks, you’re giving your heart what it needs to keep beating at its best—literally. These little efforts improve circulation, support healthy blood pressure, and strengthen cardiovascular health in the long run. What’s good in these exercises is that you don’t need to do everything at once; what matters is that you’re trying your best to give your heart the best care and treatment you can, even with a hectic schedule.
PUP Intern, Raven Gabriel S. Cruz