Bodybuilding is an intense sport that necessitates peak physical conditioning of your muscles and cardiovascular system. According to Dr. Sheldon G. Sheps at the Mayo Clinic, weight lifting creates a brief spike in blood pressure, but over the long term it can actually decrease your overall blood pressure. However, if you are at risk for high blood pressure, known as hypertension, it is important that you speak with a doctor before performing a bodybuilding workout.
Long Term Blood Pressure Reduction
Bodybuilding can help you reduce your blood pressure long-term in two ways. The first is through the exercise itself. Dr. Len Kravitz of the University of New Mexico states that more research is needed regarding hypertension and weight training, but what is available indicates that a regular weight training routine can reduce blood pressure between 2 percent and 4 percent. The other aspect of bodybuilding that reduces blood pressure is diet. Bodybuilders must maintain strict diets of healthy foods that are low in sodium, cholesterol and saturated fats. These factors reduce your risk for raised blood pressure levels.
Workout Danger
Depending on the type of bodybuilding workout you perform and your current blood pressure levels, you may be at risk for a stroke, heart attack or heart failure. According to Kravitz, weight lifters who perform at or near their one repetition maximum have been shown to have peaking systolic and diastolic blood pressure figures around 320 mmHG and 250 mmHG, respectively. To illustrate how dangerous these levels are, you only need to note that high blood pressure is medically defined as 140 mmHG for systolic blood pressure and 90 mmHG for diastolic.
Precautions When Lifting
The Mayo Clinic advises that you always lift with proper form during your weight training, as this will reduce your risk for injury and the amount of force you need to exert against the weights. Furthermore, holding your breath can increase the spike in blood pressure you experience when lifting and should never be done. If you experience dizziness or chest pain at all, you should stop lifting weights immediately and seek medical attention.
Supplements
Many weight training dietary supplements used for muscle growth and recovery are perfectly safe to use and will not raise your blood pressure. However, some supplements that help with fat loss can be dangerous. Consult your physician before adding any type of dietary supplement to your bodybuilding program, particularly if it is for weight loss or has a high amount of sodium.
