Give your heart health a lift

Cardio not your exercise of choice? Weight training for an hour per week might appeal to you.

Published: November, 2019

Cardio (aerobic) exercise is often touted as the exercise of choice for improving heart health. After all, a body of research supports how it can help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, reduce plaque buildup to improve blood flow, and help maintain a healthy weight.

Guidelines recommend that older adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week. But what if you can't do regular cardio because of health reasons or limitations — or you simply don't like cardio exercise?

To continue reading this article, you must log in.
  • Research health conditions
  • Check your symptoms
  • Prepare for a doctor's visit or test
  • Find the best treatments and procedures for you
  • Explore options for better nutrition and exercise

New subscriptions to Harvard Health Online are temporarily unavailable. Click the button below to learn about our other subscription offers.

Learn More »