The “ideal” blood pressure is 120/80 or less and just yesterday I had mine taken and I was 120/78 so if this should tell you anything it’s that more recent medical knowledge is correct.  I’ve lifted weights consistently for 13 years and I have absolutely no blood pressure problems.  If you’re lifting weights and think you have bp problems, look at your diet or lack of cardio for the answers.

sxc.hu

Post from: EveryJoe

Can Weight Lifting Increase Blood Pressure?

That’s right.  Got the results from my physical last week, and they were awesome. I am never sure–at least not since my bout with breast cancer a few years back–how the test results are going to come out.  But I felt pretty good going in, and I have been working hard to change my diet, de-stress whenever possible, and just plain take care of myself.

After meeting with my doctor, one message came through loud and clear–my diet is doing amazing things for my health.  I grew up a die-hard, meat-eating carnivore.  In my late 20s I changed that up somewhat, my thirties, even more so.  Now in my mid-forties, I have all but wiped meat out of my diet.

I eliminated the meat at first because my family history is not so good on the cardiac side, but at first it was a half-hearted attempt.  And to this day, I still haven’t completely kicked Thanksgiving turkey off of my plate.  But for the most part, I am meat-free, and feeling very good.  The sluggish days where my diet and its high concentration of animal fats ruled are gone, along with the lingering side effects I used to feel.  

The best part–my doc told me I possess the physical fitness, blood pressure, cholesterol, flexibility, endurance and bone density (yea!) of someone half my age.  So it’s really paying off.  I never thought much about the longevity aspect of it–I just wanted to purify my little engine and feel better, but added longevity…wow, what a bonus!

I do owe a lot to meditation and yoga, too.  Especially the low blood pressure.  Training my mind and body to relax and be present has also made a huge difference.

Still on the fence? I hope not.  I know it isn’t for everyone, but at least give yourself the added edge of increasing the amount of vegetables and fruits in your diet.  That step alone can really help a lot.  And put down that sugar, too.  I’m living proof it is never too late.

Peace.  

Post from: EveryJoe

Living Proof–A Greener Diet Can Help Keep You Young