A Need for Speed

Rev up your heart the right way

Activities that increase your heart rate can improve your heart health, boost your mood, and help you achieve or maintain a healthy weight. It may seem counterintuitive, but by increasing your heart rate the right way, you make your heart stronger and more efficient, which results in a decreased heart rate when you are at rest — and that’s the goal. Here are five simple ways to get your heart rate up throughout the day:

1. Stand up instead of sitting down: Remembering to do it is the hardest part. Performing sit-to-stands in rapid succession is sure to get your heart pumping. See how many you can do in 30 seconds.
2. Take a walk: Bonus if you do it outside and/or with friends, which lowers resting heart rate and reduces stress, both of which have a positive effect on the heart.
3. Dance: Pick a song you love, and get moving.
4. Jump: No rope needed, and it has the added benefit of building bone density.
5. Take the stairs: Skip a step when you’re ready to challenge your balance, too.