★★★★★
I am 57 years old and have never been very athletic.
I go to a Barre class once a week and do some ballet barre videos at home during the week. I try to do some stretching and isometric exercises daily.
Last week my doctor took my blood pressure. I was shocked that it was 104/77. For years it has been 125/85 or so. (When I was young it was always 90/60.) So, my blood pressure was not a concern, but now it is closer to my younger self numbers.
I am assuming that this is from ballet. It does get my heart rate up, though I have walked regularly for years, so I don't think that it the reason my blood pressure is down. My muscles and core however, are in the best shape they have ever been in. (That is not saying much at all, for the record - I have never been one to work out or do strength training.)
I did a bit of research and apparently strength training can help reduce blood pressure.
Ballet has also helped me with balance and posture, as hoped. Eventually I will have another DEXA scan and see if it is helping my osteoporosis.
Even if you are not able to go to a ballet class, if you want to try some barre at home, or even some ballet inspired exercises, you can look them up on YouTube. I like Kathryn Morgan and Broche Ballet a lot. If ballet is not your cup of tea, I would try some other form of strength training if you are not doing that and need to reduce blood pressure.
~Mama to Many~
