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Primary Stroke Center

Exercise can help reduce the risk of stroke

Try to engage in moderate physical activity most days of the week for 30 or more minutes per day. Regular exercise has numerous health benefits and can boost metabolism, burn off excess calories, strengthen the heart and lungs and manage blood pressure.

Just the reduction in blood pressure alone from a consistent exercise routine helps to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke. Mild exercise, such as walking, may reduce blood pressure just as much, or even more, than strenuous activities such as jogging.

Stroke survivors, too, benefit from regular physical activity. Current science shows that a medically supervised exercise plan may help reduce the risk of future strokes.

Recommended activities:

• Aerobic exercise — to improve overall heart health and fitness
• Resistance training — to improve strength
• Flexibility exercises — to increase joint range of motion
• Neuromuscular training — to improve balance, posture and coordination

Take action!

Start taking action now to reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke.

• Know your risk factors and work with your physician to manage hypertension, abnormal blood lipids, cigarette smoking, obesity, diabetes and physical inactivity.
• Be sure to include these core elements in any exercise program: cardiovascular conditioning, strength training and stretching.
• Start a new or renewed physical activity program gradually. Exercising too hard initially can lead to discouragement or injury.
• Identify a variety of exercise options that you enjoy.
• Partner with a positive influence in your life — a coworker, friend or family member — for support and healthy goal setting.
• If you already are active, keep it going for a lifetime!

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