Why Strength Training Is Good for Your Heart

We all know exercise is good for our heart — but most people still think that means cardio. In this episode, I’m joined by Emily McGrath, Senior Cardiac Nurse at the British Heart Foundation, to talk about why strength training deserves a place in the conversation about cardiovascular health. Emily shares some of the most common worries she hears from people after a heart diagnosis, from palpitations and medication to the fear of exercising again. We talk about why a heart problem can completely change the way you see your body — and why people can end up treating themselves as far more fragile than they really are. We also talk about the evidence for strength training and heart health, including its effects on blood pressure, and why getting stronger can make everyday life easier as we age. Emily shares her own experience of starting strength training, despite initially feeling intimidated by it, and we discuss how to begin without needing to become a gym person, lift enormous weights or completely overhaul your life. Finally, we talk about the British Heart Foundation’s **Strong Woman Challenge**, a free 31-day challenge designed to help women try strength training at home and build confidence with it. Because cardio is excellent for your heart. **But it doesn’t have to do all the work.** **In this episode:** - Why people can feel frightened of exercise after a cardiac diagnosis - Palpitations, smart watches and health anxiety - Why strength training is still overlooked in heart health - The effect resistance training can have on blood pressure - Starting strength training when you feel intimidated or unsure - Why our bodies are often less fragile than we imagine - Strength, function and maintaining independence as we age - Cutting through the noise about strength training in midlife - The BHF Strong Woman Challenge Join the October challenge here  www.bhf.org.uk/strongwoman