The following meta-analysis, Dynamic resistance exercise and resting blood pressure in adults: a meta-analysis, reported the following:
“A total of nine studies consisting of 259 subjects (144 exercise, 115 control) and 18 groups (9 exercise, 9 control) significant treatment effect ( 3) reductions were found across all designs and categories for both systolic and diastolic blood pressure”.
The study concludes: “meta-analytic review of included studies suggests that dynamic resistance exercise reduces resting systolic and diastolic blood pressure in adults”.
Strength training is dynamic resistance exercise. The type of strength training we do at Kelly Personal Training in Austin and at Ultimate Fitness in New Orleans is high intensity interval training (HIIT). It is a full body workout where a series of strength training exercises are performed with no rest between the exercises. With this type of personal training there is a significant cardiovascular effect along with the potential benefit of lower blood pressure. This strength training protocol has also been shown to be effective for rehab for those who have heart conditions. Strength training has more to offer than stronger muscles and bones; it is a heart healthy form of exercise as well.
