Can I train with high blood pressure?

The answer is yes. 1 in 4 people in the UK have high blood pressure. The good news is exercise is recommended as a way of managing and improving the symptoms.

Here are some quick tips for training with high blood pressure.

• Cardio is a must. Studies show that cardiovascular training is gold standard in reducing hypertension. This must be conducted at an intensity appropriate for the individual. If your new to exercise then start really light and stay in control of what your doing. Don’t feel you should do more than your comfortable with at any point.
• Leading on from cardio. Walking is actually an excellent way of maintaining good blood pressure. Especially if your fairly sedentary.
• Be as active as possible.
• Resistance training is actually beneficial for people with high blood pressure.
• Don’t be afraid of isometric exercises like the plank. Researchers have proven that isometric training can benefit people with high blood pressure.
• Don’t hold your breath whilst lifting or doing any exercise for that matter.
• Lift weights that are appropriate for your strength levels with good technique. Have a look at our previous blog on strength training.
• Combining the above with weight loss and good nutrition, will massively increase your results.

As personal trainers we are well used to showing people how to exercise effectively and safely with high blood pressure. We always design our training sessions with the clients needs in mind. If your new to training - or at any level - we always take a graded approach so that sessions are always enjoyable but challenging enough to achieve goals.

Before beginning training we do a free consultation that includes taking your blood pressure. In the first session we do a thorough assessment of your fitness, and also movement capabilities. This is so we can progress safely at a level suitable for the client.

Overall exercise will help improve blood pressure in prehypertensive and hypertensive individuals. As with any approach to exercise, start small and build up!

If you need any help along the way, feel free to speak to one of the trainers at TWPT.