Have you ever gotten so worked up you decided to ‘blow off steam’? Maybe you go for a run or hit the gym and bench as much weight as you can muster. But new evidence suggests you might want to pump the breaks.
How Can Exercise Be Bad For You?
Exercise is important for a healthy lifestyle. There are many benefits of exercising and can help with things like energy levels, depression, high blood pressure, diabetes, and even some types of cancer. But a landmark study analyzing over 12,000 people from 52 countries is now showing how exercise could be detrimental to your health – and it has to do with your heart.
Researchers found that exercising while emotionally distressed or angry could double your risk of a heart attack. High-intensity workouts can also elevate your risk of a heart attack. So, when high-intensity workouts are combined with emotional distress, the risk of a heart attack TRIPLED.
Now you might be thinking, ‘I guess I should take it easy from now on.’ Well, not so fast. Exercise is generally safe for most people and can actually help prevent heart disease. But, if you have a preexisting condition such as cholesterol buildup in your arteries,Β you may want to consult your doctor. Also, if you’re out of shape and suddenly decide to get back on the wagon, hitting the gym really hard out of the gate is not a good way to start exercising.
How Can I Get Moving Safely?
- Start Slow – especially if you haven’t been living an active lifestyle. Keep at a steady pace and gradually increase as strength and endurance improve.
- Be Aware – notice your emotions and how you’re feeling before hitting the gym. If you’re really stressed out or angry you may opt for a long walk at a comfortable pace to cool down instead.
- Meditation – deep breathing techniques as well as meditating can help you cope with stress and anger.
- Know The Risk Factors – if you have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or excess body fat you are at risk for heart disease.
- Ask Your Doctor – it’s always a good idea to speak with your doctor if you’re at risk for heart disease or need assistance in getting started on an exercise plan.
