7 Best Exercises To Lower Blood Pressure & Tips To Follow

Indulge in these exercises and yoga asanas to manage your hypertension.

Reviewed by Rohan Arora, Personal Trainer & Sports Nutritionist Rohan Arora Rohan AroraPersonal Trainer & Sports Nutritionist linkedin_iconinsta_icon
Written by , MSc (Biotechnology), ISSA Certified Fitness Nutritionist Charushila Biswas MSc (Biotechnology), ISSA Certified Fitness Nutritionist linkedin_icon Experience: 6 years
Edited by , BSc, Professional Certificate in Food, Nutrition and Health Ravi Teja Tadimalla BSc, Professional Certificate in Food, Nutrition and Health linkedin_icon Experience: 10 years
Fact-checked by , BPharm, Certified Health & Wellness Coach Moksha Gandhi BPharm, Certified Health & Wellness Coach linkedin_icon Experience: 2 years
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High blood pressure, or hypertension (HTN), can increase the risk of heart disease. Regular physical activity can be an effective way of lowering blood pressure and reducing the risk of other heart-related issues. There are many exercises that may help to lower blood pressure. Note that these exercises are not intended to replace medication prescribed by your doctor. It can also be helpful if you stay active and reduce your BMI, as it can help bring your blood pressure down to normal levels (1). Research shows that cardio and dynamic resistance training can lower blood pressure and manage stage 1 hypertension (2). Staying active also reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

If you have hypertension, do these 7 blood pressure-lowering exercises and 6 yoga asanas. It is essential to consult with your doctor before starting any new exercise programs. This article also tells you how frequently you should do the exercises and which exercises to avoid. Read on!

protip_icon Exercises To Lower Blood Pressure
  • Frequency: 3-5 times per week
  • Benefits: Aid in weight loss and reduce heart disease risk.
  • Equipment Needed: Exercise mat, fitness tracker, sturdy shoes, swimming cap,goggles.
  • Space Required: Large area
  • Assistance Required: No
  • Who Should Avoid: Anyone with chronic joint pain or diabetes.

7 Best Exercises To Lower Blood Pressure

1. Walking

Woman walking as an exercise to lower blood pressure
Image: Shutterstock

Walking is a low-impact cardio exercise that helps release serotonin, a ‘feel-good’ hormone. Scientists have found that walking 10,000 steps a day, irrespective of the intensity, could help reduce high blood pressure and improve exercising capacity (3).

A 2022 study assessed randomized controlled trials with 5,763 participants to highlight the merits of walking for hypertension. The participants walked an average of 153 minutes over the course of 15 weeks. This resulted in a decrease of 4.11 mmHg in systolic blood pressure, 1.79 mmHg in diastolic blood pressure, and it also reduced the resting heart rate by 2.76 bpm. It is one of the simplest but best exercises for heart health and may even reduce the chances of a stroke.

Find a park or a stretch of road that has less traffic and more greenery. You can walk in the mornings or evenings, focus on breathing, and enjoy nature to lower your stress levels. Take a warm bath afterward, have a cup of tea, and you will feel more relaxed.

2. Jogging

Put those running shoes on, leave your problems at the door, and start jogging! You can start with brisk walking and gradually increase your pace to do slow jogging or moderate-paced running.

A trial found that running regularly at a moderate pace could help lower blood pressure levels in people with hypertension (4). You can jog on the treadmill or outdoors. Do cool-down stretches after you are done, and take a nice warm shower later.

Dmitri Konash, a blogger, shares his experience of how he brought his hypertension back to optimal levels with exercise. He started jogging to lower his blood pressure and improve his cardiac health, stating, “In less than 12 months after being diagnosed with hypertension my blood pressure returned to normal levels (i).”

3. Dancing

Woman dancing as an exercise to lower blood pressure
Image: Shutterstock

Dance therapy may have a positive effect in reducing hypertension (5). This aerobic exercise improves blood circulation, helps in stress reduction, and improves balance and coordination.

Start with low-intensity dance forms and join a group that has a dedicated class for people with hypertension. You may try other high-intensity dance forms after consulting your doctor.

4. Cycling

Bicycling outdoors or indoors is a great aerobic exercise to reduce weight, tone the lower body, and lower high blood pressure levels. A study conducted on people with type 2 diabetes showed a significant reduction in blood pressure levels in people who regularly cycled (6).

Choose a bicycling lane or do indoor cycling to prevent falls and sudden jerks. Focus on your breathing, take water breaks, and wear bicycle shorts to prevent chafing.

5. Swimming

Woman swimming to lower blood pressure
Image: Shutterstock

If you love water, swimming is another aerobic exercise you can enjoy to reduce hypertension. A 10-week study showed swimming to be an effective exercise to reduce resting blood pressure (7).

Always warm up before getting into the pool and wear a swimming cap and goggles. It is best to start with an instructor to help guide you through a few water exercises to improve your strength and mobility before getting into full-blown laps.

6. Dynamic Resistance Training

Dynamic resistance training involves movement. Exercises like weighted bicep curls, push-ups, bench press, etc., are dynamic resistance exercises that help burn calories, improve muscle tone, and lower blood pressure levels.

Use weights that are around 30-40% of your body weight. Ask your trainer to help if you are a beginner. Do dynamic resistance exercises 2-3 days a week, and do not lift heavy weights too soon. Avoid lifting weights if you have chronic heart issues and consult a doctor beforehand (2).

7. Isometric Resistance Training

Woman holding a plank to lower blood pressure
Image: Shutterstock

Isometric resistance exercises do not involve movements or motions like dynamic resistance exercises. Such exercises engage the muscles and work on them without any visible body movement. For example, holding a plank is an isometric exercise. You can check out more examples of isometric exercises here.

Scientists have found isometric handgrip exercises to be more effective in lowering blood pressure than dynamic resistance training (8). However, there is insufficient evidence regarding its safety and efficacy (2).

protip_icon Quick Tip
Pair these exercises with a healthy diet to make the most difference in your health. Avoid foods high in saturated and trans fats and cholesterol. Eat fruits, vegetables, greens, and whole grains. You can also try following the Mediterranean diet.

Note: Always warm up for 10 minutes before exercising or doing yoga asanas.

Exercise duration and pace have a crucial impact on your blood pressure levels. Scroll down to understand how often you can do all the exercises mentioned above.

How Often To Do Them

Start by working out 3-5 days a week with a balanced mix of cardio and strength training exercises. If you work out three days a week, do cardio for two days and a day of strength training. If you work out five days a week, balance them with three days of cardio and two days of strength training. Change your workout routine depending on your progress. Talk to your trainer to design a workout routine that works for you.

People with hypertension generally have other comorbidities like obesity and heart diseases. Certain exercises can aggravate the conditions. Scroll down to know which exercises to avoid.

Which Exercises To Avoid

Sprinting may not lower blood pressure
Image: Shutterstock
  • HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training)
  • Sprinting
  • Heavy weightlifting

Stick to low or moderate-intensity aerobic or strength training exercises (with light weights) to prevent further health complications.

6 Yoga Asanas For High Blood Pressure (Video)

Learn how to lower your blood pressure with simple exercises! Watch this video that shows exercises to reduce your blood pressure and improve your health.

Do these yoga asanas 3-4 days a week under the supervision of an instructor. Apart from the asanas, you can do the following exercises regularly to manage high blood pressure levels.

protip_icon Quick Tip
Remember to focus on your breathing when you perform these yoga asanas. Inhale and exhale in deep breaths. This helps clear your mind of all distractions.

Also, follow a healthy lifestyle to reduce stress and manage hypertension. Here are a few tips.

Other Tips

  • Reduce your salt intake.
  • Follow the DASH diet.
  • Reduce alcohol consumption.
  • Take part in group activities.
  • Learn a new skill.
  • Take a vacation every six months.
  • Avoid procrastinating.
  • Talk to a specialist if you have anxiety.
  • Avoid toxic situations – professional or personal.
  • Practice deep breathing exercises.

Infographic: Top 5 Exercises To Manage Blood Pressure Levels

High blood pressure can increase the risk of heart disease, making it important to keep it in check at all times. While a good diet and medicines may help, incorporating exercise into your life not only lowers blood pressure levels but improves your general health and wellness. Check out the following infographic to know more.

top 5 exercises to manage blood pressure levels (infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Both yoga and exercise are highly effective in reducing hypertension. Walking, jogging, dancing, cycling, and resistance training are some of the best exercises to lower blood pressure and help in weight management. Do at least 3-5 days of cardio and strength-training exercises by striking a balance between the two. For example, do three days of cardio and two days of strength training if you work out five days a week. While it is normal to note increased blood pressure after exercise, continuous workouts will help decrease the levels gradually. High-intensity exercises like sprinting and heavy weightlifting must be avoided to prevent further complications. Apart from exercise, take medicines regularly and reduce your salt and alcohol intake to achieve good results.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to lower blood pressure with exercise?

According to anecdotal evidence, it takes about 1-3 months to see visible results of the impact of exercise on blood pressure.

Can drinking lots of water lower blood pressure?

Maybe. However, make sure you check the sodium content and avoid bottled water with high sodium content.

Can lack of sleep cause high blood pressure?

Yes. Chronic sleep deprivation along with insomnia, especially in the middle age, may increase the risk of hypertension (9).

Key Takeaways

  • Cardio and dynamic resistance training can lower blood pressure and manage stage 1 hypertension.
  • Low to moderate intensity exercises like walking, jogging, swimming, bicycling, and dancing three to four times a week help improve cardiovascular health.
  • High-intensity exercises like HIIT, sprinting, and heavy weightlifting may exacerbate health problems and are best avoided.

Personal Experience: Source

References

Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Read our editorial policy to learn more.

  1. Body Mass Index is Strongly Associated with Hypertension: Results from the Longevity Check-Up 7+ Study
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC6316192/
  2. Evidence for exercise training in the management of hypertension in adults
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC4369613/
  3. Walking 10000 steps/day or more reduces blood pressure and sympathetic nerve activity in mild essential hypertension
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11131268/
  4. Running to Lower Resting Blood Pressure: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31677122/
  5. Effect of dance therapy on blood pressure and exercise capacity of individuals with hypertension: A systematic review and meta-analysis
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27390986/
  6. Effect of Cycling on Glycaemia Blood Pressure and Weight in Young Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC5583829/
  7. Swimming training lowers the resting blood pressure in individuals with hypertension
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9218185/
  8. Impact of Resistance Training on Blood Pressure and Other Cardiovascular Risk Factors
    https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/hypertensionaha.111.177071
  9. Sleep and Hypertension
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2913764/
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Rohan Arora
Rohan AroraPersonal Trainer & Sports Nutritionist
Rohan is a Personal Trainer and Sports Nutritionist from ISSA and has been actively involved in fitness and nutrition for over 7 years. With this experience of helping countless people gain healthy weight and build lean muscle, he now leads a team of fitness specialists who help people around the world with personalized workout and nutrition plans, along with providing the right information on sports supplements.

Read full bio of Rohan Arora
Charushila Biswas
Charushila BiswasHealth & Wellness Writer
Charushila is an ISSA certified Fitness Nutritionist and a Physical Exercise Therapist. Over a span of 6 years, she has authored more than 400 articles on diet, lifestyle, exercises, healthy food, and fitness equipment. She strives to inform, educate, and motivate her readers via authentic, straightforward, and fact-checked information.

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Ravi Teja Tadimalla
Ravi Teja TadimallaCo-Editor-in-Chief
Ravi Teja Tadimalla is a Co-Editor-in-Chief and a published author. He has been in the digital media field for over a decade. He graduated from SRM University, Chennai, and has a Professional Certificate in Food, Nutrition & Research from Wageningen University.

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Moksha Gandhi
Moksha GandhiHealth & Wellness Writer
Moksha is a health and wellness writer and a certified diet and nutrition coach. Her passion for science and writing has helped her excel in crafting evidence-based articles. Her previous experience in writing science-based research papers ensures that her articles are grounded in research and provide practical tips that are reader-focused.

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