Women, Heart Attacks and Jogging for Heart Health

Many people seem to think that heart attacks are more of a problem for men. However, this is far from the truth.

It is a fact that women have built in protection when they are younger, but as we age we start to lose it. What is worse, when a woman does have a heart attack it generally a more serious issue than it is for men.

For this reason we need to keep our hearts in good condition. Don't get too overweight and find a good exercise program and stick with it. Jogging is known for its heart benefits and that is what I have done for years.

I am now in my 60s and still jog almost daily. You do need to start off slow if you are out of condition or have never done it before.

Good topic to bring up as we get towards New Years Resolution time, Charlotte.

Here's an article from SportsMD.com that provides information from a doctor's point of view. It says jogging is good, as is walking, but seems to indicate we'll get even more benefit from a sport like tennis, swimming, etc.

I suppose we just need to get moving, no matter how we do it. LOL!

You're so right Anne. Walking at any speed is helpful as many women areen't equipped to jog.

Jogging is a great exercise for getting in top condition. If you are out of shape you can start off slow, even with a fast walk, and work your way up to a jog and then a faster jog. By the time you get to where you can jog 45 minutes a day at a good pace you should have no more weight problems if you don't offset the calories you burn with a lot of fatty calories.

As you can see, Charlotte by my blogs' signature, I'm a cyclist. And have been doing it regularily for past 20 years. I returned to cycling when I was 32 yrs. old.

I gave up my car license in early 20's because I was not comfortable driving at high speeds on the highways.

So it's transit or walking for days not cycling

Alot of women in mid-life do return to cycling. This informal international group of women cyclists seems to have a regular bunch of women over...50. But there are women in their 20's.

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=7782&page=19 Cycling is easier on one's knees: less pressure as long as one is properly fitted on a bike and knows how to use gears.

Kudos for joggers if you can do it. I just want to go farther with less effort...on a bike. I don't think of cycling as "exercise" 1/2 of the time, because I shop, go to work, etc. It's interwoven into my lifestyle.

I'm with you, Orchid,

I find cycling much easier on my body. And I enjoy it, while I can't say I have ever enjoyed jogging. (Walking I am fine with, too.)

Orchid,
I think it's excellent that you bike. Great sport for both you and your significant other!