Blood pressure is the pressure of the circulating blood on blood vessel walls. This measurement, which is an indication of overall health, is divided into systolic and diastolic pressure. Systolic pressure refers to the force in the arteries when the heart beats and pumps the blood out. Diastolic pressure refers to the force in arteries when the heart is at rest between beats. Normal blood pressure is 120 over 80, and ideally less than 120 for systolic and less than 80 for diastolic. Exercise and fitness can affect blood pressure.
About
Because exercise increases the body's demand for energy, the heart rate rises and causes systolic pressure to rise also. This helps deliver more blood and more oxygen to the muscles. Diastolic pressure, on the other hand, remains fairly steady and may even decrease slightly during exercise.
During Exercise
Exercise will cause normal blood pressure to increase, but the systolic or diastolic pressures are affected differently depending on the type of exercise. Static exercises involve sustained contractions of a muscle group, such as weightlifting, while dynamic exercises involve more rhythmic movements, such as running, swimming or biking.
According to Life Clinic, "During static exercise there is a marked increase of both systolic and diastolic pressure (up to 300/150 mm Hg in champion barbell lifters), whereas with dynamic exercise only the systolic pressure increases. Dynamic exercise is generally recommended for people with high blood pressure; body building types of exercise are not."
After Exercise
While 120 over 80 is normal, many fit athletes have a lower resting blood pressure because their bodies are able to work more efficiently. According to the Mayo Clinic, "Athletes and people who exercise regularly tend to have lower blood pressure and a slower heart rate than do people who aren't as fit. So, in general, do nonsmokers and people who eat well and maintain a normal weight."
Suggestions
Blood pressure rises gradually during the warm-up phase of exercise and slowly returns to normal during the cool-down phase. That is why it is recommended that athletes take at least 10 minutes to allow their bodies time to adjust during both phases. Stopping too suddenly after exercise can cause a sharp drop in blood pressure, resulting in lightheadedness and cramping.
Warning
Some athletes tend to hold their breath during exercise, particularly strength training, but doing so can raise blood pressure. Caffeine before and during a workout can also raise blood pressure.
