Exercise is famously good for the mind and body. But what type of physical activity is best to reduce your risk of a heart attack?
Strength training, cardio and stretching are all beneficial for health in different ways, including weight loss, a leaner body and better mood.
There’s also isometric exercise, which involves contracting muscles and holding that position for a few minutes without moving — doing a plank or wall squat, for example. It’s static, but very intense.
Of all these, one type of physical activity is superior for the heart, says Dr. Luke Laffin, a preventive cardiologist and co-director of the Center for Blood Pressure Disorders at the Cleveland Clinic.
