Weightlifting: Bad for your blood pressure?

Is weightlifting safe if I have high blood pressure?

- Fred / Washington

Answer

Weightlifting can cause a temporary increase in blood pressure. This increase can be dramatic — depending on how much weight you lift.

Weightlifting once was discouraged in people with high blood pressure. But this is no longer the case. Regular exercise, including moderate weightlifting, provides many health benefits, including helping to lower blood pressure.

If you have high blood pressure, talk to your doctor before starting any exercise program. Your doctor can help you develop an exercise program tailored to your needs and medical conditions. Your doctor can also determine whether you need any activity restrictions.

If you have high blood pressure, here are some tips for getting started on a weightlifting program:

• Learn and use proper form when lifting to reduce the risk of injury.
• Don't hold your breath. Holding your breath during exertion can cause dangerous spikes in blood pressure. Instead, breathe easily and continuously during each lift.
• Lift lighter weights and do more repetitions. Heavier weights require more strain, which causes a greater increase in blood pressure. You can challenge your muscles with lighter weights by increasing your repetitions.
• Listen to your body. Stop your activity right away if you become severely out of breath or dizzy or if you experience chest pain or pressure.

MORE ON THIS TOPIC

• Weight training: Do's and don'ts of proper technique

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