As we get older, it becomes more important to take care of our hearts. But that doesn't mean exercise has to be hard! In fact, there are some gentle exercises that are great for your heart. So whether you're just starting out or you've been exercising for years, these are some of the easiest exercises that will help keep your heart healthy and your joints happy.

1. 5-Minute Walk

Walking is a low-impact exercise that improves your heart health, mood, and your joints. Research has shown that even a quick 5-minute walk around your front yard will be good enough to reduce the risk of heart conditions. It’s also great for keeping your bones strong.

2. Tai Chi

Tai Chi is great for people with heart issues. It’s also the perfect exercise for people who are easily tired and weak. The slow movements strengthen the heart without straining it. So, if you have a weaker heart, this exercise will be an excellent way to strengthen it without putting too much stress on it.

3. Pilates

Pilates is one of the best activities for people over 60 to stay in shape. Not only does Pilates increase flexibility and mobility, but it can improve your breathing, posture, and balance.

Studies have shown that Pilates improves heart health through decreasing physical and emotional stress, which directly impacts your heart health.

Tip: Make sure to go with a routine that’s beginner friendly (advance Pilates classes can be really hard!)

4. Water Exercises

Swimming or water aerobics works the heart and lungs. This exercise trains the body to use oxygen more efficiently, which strengthens your heart health.

As a bonus, water exercises use the arms, the legs, and other muscle groups in between which also improves muscle strength and flexibility.

5. Gardening

While gardening may not be considered as an exercise, the movement involved when doing this activity can help you get a good sweat.

Plus, it is therapeutic to be in the sun. Lots of vitamin D. It’s also grounding to be with plants and the soil.

Well, there you go! 5 easy exercises to keep your heart health in check.

So, if you’ve been avoiding exercise because you think it will be too hard on your body, give some of these activities a try. You may find they’re a fun way to keep your heart healthy and joints pain-free.

What’s your favorite heart-healthy activity? Let me know in the comments below.

I’d love to hear from you!

Stay healthy!