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When it comes to stretching vs. walking, what’s better for high blood pressure? The following study explores the issue.

We know that regular exercise, including walking, can improve blood pressure and heart health. However, a new study suggests that stretching may also help in lowering blood pressure levels.

“When you’re relaxing in the evening, instead of just sitting on the couch, you can get down on the floor and stretch while you’re watching TV,” says Dr. Phil Chilibeck, Ph.D. Chilibeck is a professor of kinesiology at the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon, Canada, and co-author of the new study.

According to the study, published in the Journal of Physical Activity and Health, stretching can help improve blood pressure. The research shows that 30 minutes of stretching, 5 days a week can improve blood pressure more than 30-minute walks, 5 days a week.

However, these greater improvements happened over a 2-month period and walking led to more significant reductions in waistlines.

While the study shows the benefits of stretching, it doesn’t mean people should abandon aerobic exercise or their walking routines. “Things like walking, biking, or cross-country skiing all have a positive effect on body fat, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar,” said Chilibeck.

Stretching and High Blood Pressure

stretching vs. walking, what's better for high blood pressureAccording to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 45% of adults in the U.S. have high blood pressure (hypertension). The condition is also one of the primary contributing factors of heart disease.

Because hypertension doesn’t usually present any symptoms, it may go undetected for years. Without the proper treatment, it can lead to eye damage, chronic kidney disease, vascular dementia, and cardiovascular disease.

One of the best things you can do to improve your circulation and reduce high blood pressure is regular aerobic exercise. Furthermore, this study (along with others) shows that stretching can also help by reducing stiffness in the arteries.

The Outlook

If you already have an exercise routine that involves aerobic exercise like walking or jogging, don’t give it up. Instead, continue your routine and add stretching to the mix as a way to improve your blood pressure further.

The new studies show that regular stretching can be more effective than taking brisk walks in lowering blood pressure. However, walking had a bigger impact on reducing waistlines, which is another factor in high blood pressure.

If you’re not an active person, adding stretching exercises while watching TV can help you gradually improve your health. Furthermore, once you have settled on a routine, you can switch between stretching and aerobic exercise.

When it comes to improving your circulation, you shouldn’t limit yourself to one solution – try both stretching and exercise to maximize results. Another solution you can add to your list is heart and circulation supplements like L-arginine Plus.

It works by increasing the nitric oxide in the body, a molecule that relaxes blood vessels and improves blood flow. Combine stretching and aerobic exercises with L-arginine Plus to give your blood pressure health a much-needed boost.