You’ve been told your “good” cholesterol is low and your “bad” cholesterol numbers are high.
You are hardly alone. You join approximately 38 percent of Americans who have excessively high blood cholesterol levels, according to the American Council on Exercise. A sound diet, weight loss and physical activity, says the National Cholesterol Education Program, are the treatment methods for many individuals with cholesterol disorders. Cholesterol-lowering medicine is generally reserved for those who have extremely high lipid levels or for those who have diabetes or coronary disease.
According to the American Heart Association, studies show that intense lowering of total cholesterol may stop the progression of coronary artery disease.
So how do you go about exercising to make a dent in your cholesterol numbers?
- Any physical activity is good so get moving.
- As with any new exercise regimen, be sure to check with your physician before starting. The doctor will likely want to do a physical to make sure you’re in great shape to begin. If you are looking for a primary care physician, visit our Primary and Family Care listing.
- Exercise has the greatest effect on triglycerides and HDL, the good cholesterol. Exercise will have very little impact on LDL levels.
- Start slowly. Do not sign up for any half marathons just yet. Give yourself two weeks to get into a routine.
- Work up to achieving approximately 200 minutes of moderate exercise each week. Moderate intensity means you can carry on a conversation without being too out of breath.
- If you maintain the regimen mentioned above for 12 to 16 week, your cholesterol levels should begin to improve by 10% to 20%, according to the American Council on Exercise.