Increasing your heart rate is the very first step of your fitness journey. Before anything else, your heart is going to have to pump faster than it is right now if you want to make a difference in your cardiovascular health. There's good news: It's easy to get started, so you can do it.
Raising Your Heart Rate
Step 1
Put on comfortable clothes. You're going to sweat, so the sport coat needs to go.
Step 2
Put on your athletic shoes. Dress shoes or heels are only going to slow you down here.
Step 3
Get out of your chair. You can't do anything worthwhile while you're sitting down.
Step 4
Start moving. This doesn't mean wiggling your fingers; you need to involve your whole body. According to the American Heart Association, physical activity improves overall health and fitness.
Step 5
Increase the intensity. If you were walking, try jogging; if you were jogging, pick up the speed. According to Wayne Westcott, author of Building Strength & Stamina, exercise will increase your heart's efficiency, allowing for higher-level exercises to be done.
Tips and Warnings
- Consult a doctor before starting an exercise regimen. You can find your heart rate by counting your heart beats for 15 seconds and then multiplying that number by four. Make goals only after you find your baseline fitness. This will allow you to make them reasonable and achievable.
- The risk of injury is present when exercising. Please be cautious.
Things You'll Need
- Comfortable clothes
- Athletic shoes
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