Five Heart Healthy Activities to Do in February

Did you know that heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States? February is American Heart Month and there’s no better time to educate yourself about the risks for heart disease and learn about the steps you can take to live a more heart-healthy lifestyle. Getting regular physical activity is one of those ways as physical activity can not only help you lose excess weight and improve physical fitness but it can also lower many heart disease risk factors such as “bad” LDL cholesterol levels, help increase “good” HDL cholesterol levels and manage high blood pressure. In addition, physical activity can help to lower stress and improve mental health as well as lower your risk for other conditions such as type 2 diabetes, depression and cancer—all good reasons to take care of your heart.

Ready to build some heart-healthy habits? Check out some of our programs and activities below to help you get started.

Getting Start with Meal Prep
Join our certified nutrition coach and personal trainer to learn how planning makes perfect! Prepping your meals in advance can help you save time, money and live a healthier lifestyle. Register today for the class on Saturday, February 17 at Chinn Aquatics & Fitness Center.

Intro to Pilates Method – Core Stability and Body Control with Jump Board
Jump board trains the intrinsic muscles in our feet, as well as promoting correct alignment through the ankle, knee and hip joint. Correctly adjusting the alignment of the lower leg can have a ripple effect through the body, fixing other misalignments along the way. It strengthens and lengthens the muscles as well as burns calories. Join us at Sharron Baucom Dale City Recreation Center for this class. Sign up here. (Requires Pilates Reformer experience.) 

“Sweatheart” Xstreme Hip-Hop Step & Body 360 + Combo Class
Join Simone and Andrea for this “Sweatheart” Combo Class at Dale City. We are doubling the fun with Xtreme Hip Hop Step and Body 360+ together. Spread the love by wearing red! Optional: Bring your sweetie or a friend to make it twice the fun! All fitness levels are welcome. Register today.

Go for a Swim
Swimming is a great low impact exercise for your heart and lungs. Our facilities at both Chinn Aquatics & Fitness Center and Sharron Baucom Dale City Recreation Center feature heated indoor pools. At Chinn, the main 40-meter heated pool has eight 25-yard lanes available for lap swim and a shallow water area for family/recreation swim and classes. At Dale City you’ll find a 25-yard heated indoor pool with open swim and lap swim times available by reservation.

You can also check out our Aquabilities classes—a great low impact, small group exercise class expressly designed for those with arthritis and/or joint issues. Register for upcoming sessions here. 

Get Outside for a Hike
Going for a brisk walk through one of our parks is one of the simplest ways to get some physical activity and cardiovascular fitness in. Check out some of our recommendations here. If it’s too cold outside for you, then our recreation centers offer treadmills and other machines you can use to get your heart pumping.