Exercises for Hypertension: People often think that exercise is best avoided if you have high blood pressure, but experts disagree. Let's find out what the experts have to say about this.

Which exercises should not be done in high blood pressure?

Exercises To Avoid With High Blood Pressure: High blood pressure i.e. hypertension, is such a disease that often keeps on harming the body without any clear indication. Most of the people do not even know that their blood pressure is high until some serious problem arises. This is the reason why it is called "silent killer". According to the World Health Organization i.e. WHO, around 1.28 billion adults across the world are suffering from hypertension and almost half of these people are not even aware of their disease. High blood pressure is considered to be a major reason behind around 1 crore deaths every year.

Should people with high blood pressure not exercise?

People often think that exercise is a no-no for those with high blood pressure, but experts disagree. Dr. Vinay Kumar Pandey told TOI that regular physical exercise helps control blood pressure and maintain a healthy heart. However, some types of exercise can cause a sudden increase in blood pressure, increasing the risk for people with uncontrolled hypertension.

Should people with uncontrolled blood pressure not lift weights?

Doctors say that people with poor blood pressure or pre-existing heart conditions should avoid lifting heavy weights. Lifting weights, especially those exceeding 75 percent of their capacity, can put sudden strain on the body. Exercises like deadlifts, heavy squats, or high-intensity bench presses can increase the risk of dizziness, chest pressure, and heart problems in some people. Many people hold their breath while lifting weights, which can cause a rapid increase in blood pressure.

What are the risks of doing interval training?

Similarly, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) isn't considered safe for everyone. Dr. Vinay explains that those just starting out in fitness, those with high blood pressure, or those experiencing mental stress should approach this type of exercise with caution. HIIT requires the body to exert itself excessively in a short period of time, which can cause rapid fluctuations in blood pressure and increase strain on the heart. Long-distance running, sprinting, CrossFit, and extreme endurance training can also increase the risk.

These things should be avoided.

According to the doctor, even activities that require continuous force, such as push-ups or jumping rope, can impact blood pressure, especially if proper technique is not followed. Blood pressure can also suddenly increase during competitive sports or intense training.

These things should be adopted.

Experts believe that safe exercise is the best option for hypertension patients. Brisk walking, cycling, swimming, yoga, stretching, and light aerobic exercise are considered beneficial for the body. It's important to warm up thoroughly before exercise, drink plenty of water, and avoid strenuous workouts in very hot weather . Anyone with uncontrolled high blood pressure or heart disease should consult a doctor before starting a new fitness routine.