Dr. Joseph Herrera Urges 2 Weekly Strength Sessions for Heart Health, Citing 17% Lower Risk
Updated
Updated · TODAY · Jun 11
Dr. Joseph Herrera Urges 2 Weekly Strength Sessions for Heart Health, Citing 17% Lower Risk
2 articles · Updated · TODAY · Jun 11
Summary
Two days of strength training a week can help maintain muscle mass and improve cardiovascular health, Dr. Joseph Herrera said, recommending the routine even for people managing heart conditions.
Herrera said resistance exercise raises heart rate through a different kind of physical load, and lighter weights with higher repetitions can still deliver cardiovascular benefits while limiting risk.
AHA and CDC guidance backs the twice-weekly target, and the American Heart Association says adults who strength train face a 17% lower risk of cardiovascular disease than those who do not.
The AHA says the biggest gains come from combining resistance work with cardio; healthy adults should target 8 to 10 major-muscle exercises, with 8 to 12 reps for up to 3 sets.