Exercise Benefits for Coronary Heart Disease

Those engaging in the combined exercise program saw a 2-pound increase in lean mass and reduced about 2% more fat than their peers doing only aerobic exercise.

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD), also known as Coronary Heart Disease, is a narrowing of the small blood vessels that provide blood and oxygen to the heart and is the leading cause of death in the United States. Having diabetes, being overweight, and not getting enough exercise are all risk factors for CAD. In many cases people have multiple risk factors and doctors often recommend exercise, usually in the form of walking, and dietary changes. Recently, a review published in the Journal of Physiotherapy looked at the effect of resistance training and aerobic exercise on fitness, body composition, strength, and quality of life in people with CAD and type 2 diabetes.

The review examined 12 studies involving over 500 patients and found that combined exercise (aerobic exercise in addition to resistance training) produced better health outcomes than aerobic exercise alone. Those engaging in the combined exercise program saw a 2-pound increase in lean mass and reduced about 2% more fat than their peers doing only aerobic exercise.

These results indicate that a combined exercise regimen is more effective than aerobic exercise alone in improving body composition, strength, fitness, and quality of life. Health clubs provide safe, convenient environment for people to get their recommended amounts of cardio and resistance training.

Brennan B. Combined resistance and aerobic training is more effective than aerobic training alone in people with coronary artery disease. J Physiother. 2012;58(2):129.

This newsletter has been brought to you by your health club, a member of the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association.To learn more about the health benefits of exercise, visit HealthClubs.com today.

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