Exercises for Lowering Blood Pressure

By: Scottsdale Weight Loss Center
Published: May 20, 2021
Nurse taking patient's blood pressure.

Craig Primack MD, FACP, FAAP, FOMA

The best way to treat blood pressure (BP) is weight loss. With the right amount of exercise, your weight and blood pressure will reduce.

The European Society of Cardiology created an algorithm to personalize exercise based on BP. This comprehensive approach for BP control is used in most medical weight loss programs.

Types of Blood Pressures

Hypertension: Blood pressure over 140/90

High-Normal: Blood pressure between 130-139/85-89

Normal: Blood Pressure less than 130/84

Studies have shown that aerobic exercise in those with hypertension should lower BP by 4.9-12mm Hg systolic and -3.4 to -5.8mm Hg diastolic.

How to Lower Blood Pressure with Exercise

The best way to reduce blood pressure with exercise is to integrate all three types of exercise: Aerobic Training (AT), Dynamic Resistance Training (RT), and Isometric Resistance Training. If you’re currently inactive, choosing any exercise is a great place to start.

Here’s a guideline for exercise to try based on your blood pressure levels:

Hypertension: aerobic training (AT) is a first-line exercise therapy and low to moderate-intensity resistance training (RT). Both dynamic and isometric RT as second-line therapy.

High-Normal Blood Pressure: Dynamic RT is an exercise that leads to greater BP reduction than aerobic training. Combining dynamic RT with AT may be preferable to dynamic RT alone in patients with a combination of cardiovascular risk factors.

Normal Blood Pressure: Isometric RT is the first-line intervention in individuals with a family history of hypertension. This is also recommended to those who are overweight or have obesity with currently normal BP. AT is also an option.

Examples of Aerobic Training Exercises

Aerobic training exercises increase your heart rate with constant and continuous movement.

  1. Walking, Jogging, or Running
  2. Biking
  3. Swimming
  4. Skiing or Snowboarding

Examples of Dynamic Exercises

Dynamic exercises move the muscles through a specific range of motion.

  1. Squats
  2. Push-ups
  3. Bicep Curls

For each of these, start with 5 reps and increases over time. Aim for 5 sets of each.

Examples of Isometric Exercises

Isometric exercise is muscle flexion without active movement.

  1. Wall Sit
  2. Plank
  3. Overhead Hold
  4. Glute Bridge
  5. Body V-Ups

For each of these start by holding for 15 seconds and increasing over time. Aim for 5 sets of each.

Track Your Progress

To control high blood pressure, it’s important to keep track of your readings. You can have your blood pressure checked weekly at a medical weight loss program or with your primary care doctor. Accountability and SMART goals are the best way to achieve lasting weight loss results.

This is How You Lose the Weight, Once and For All

If you’re ready to say goodbye to quick fixes that never last? And you’re serious about losing the weight for good? We’re the experts you can trust to guide you through a weight loss program that will not only take the weight off but keep it off.
Schedule a consultation with us today.

Source: New Guidance on Personalized Exercise for BP Control- Medscape 4-1-2021

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3 days ago
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I landed at Scottsdale Weight Loss 13 years ago and lost 50 pounds….regained 10 and then lost them again, plus another 20. It is a great program, and all the professionals are amazing and caring.
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9 days ago
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SWL has been a God send to me! Dr. Guzman & staff especially Lilia & Bianca! They’re so supportive & professional I have lost approx 50 pounds over the year at my own pace.
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Great place 30 lbs.and counting thank you And now it is over 40 lbs. and counting thank you great job
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27 days ago
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I cannot say enough wonderful things about Dr Robert Ziltzer! He helped me reach my ideal weight and more importantly maintain it for over 2 years. He has also helped me keep my blood pressure exactly where my internist wanted it. Dr Ziltzer is not only exceptional in weight management but also a truly gifted internet’s. His knowledge, kindness, and dedication are remarkable. I am deeply grateful for his care and recommend him whole heartedly!
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The staff at the Phoenix office are great! My experience with Dr deGuzman has been wonderful. Miriam has always been very helpful and makes the office visits pleasant and personal. The medical assistants have always been professional and great to help meet my goals.
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Paula S
37 days ago
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I really felt comfortable with Kristen at my initial appointment. Everyone at the center was caring and friendly, from Bianca, at the front desk, to Lily, who is the MA. Kristen listened to my frustrations and prior disappointments about what has not worked, and is confident that she can help me achieve my goals of weight loss. I am looking forward and excited to see the success I will attain.
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My weight loss is going well because of Scottsdale Weight Loss Center. I couldn’t do it without them
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I'd lost 20 pounds on my own and struggled to keep it off. I decided GLP-1 meds were the next step in losing more and keeping it off. I wanted a medical doctor supervised program and chose SWLC. I am so very glad I did! The team in Glendale is so supportive and kind; and when I feel discouraged, they pick me up with positive energy and input. They really do a great job with encouragement all the time. 6 weeks in I've lost 17 pounds, and am approaching weight loss with a very new perspective. Also knowing that when I reach my target goal, they'll be there through maintenance and beyond is encouraging as well. Good to not feel alone on this journey.
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They have encouraged and been there through every tough situation. Definitely the team to lean on.
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Everyone is pretty amazing but Kim the NP is absolutely one of the best practitioners I’ve ever met !
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