Cardiac surgeon Dr Shriram Nene sets fitness goals, shares self-portrait ‘Just walking my way to a happy heart’

rejector: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or experts we spoke to. Always consult your health professional before starting any routine.

“Stationary cycling is a form of aerobic exercise that increases heart rate, improves blood flow, and helps strengthen the heart muscle,” said Dr. Madridi.

When done regularly, it can improve heart health, lower blood pressure, improve cholesterol levels, and aid in weight management—all of which help reduce the risk of heart disease.

“When you pedal continuously, your heart rate increases in a healthy way, helping the heart muscle to become stronger and more efficient,” said Dr Sushil Kumar Malani, Professor and HOD, Department of Cardiology at DPU Super Specialty Hospital, Pimpri, Pune.

Dr. Malani said that regular cycling improves Blood flowSupports better oxygenation throughout the body and helps reduce risk factors such as hypertension, obesity, and cholesterol.

Are you pedaling for heart health? (Photo: AI Born)

A great advantage of a home exercise bike is that it provides a low-impact workout. “This means it puts less stress on the knees, hips and joints than activities like walking. Therefore, stationary cycling is often recommended as part of a supervised rehabilitation or fitness program for older adults, individuals who are overweight and some heart patients,” said Dr. Madiridi.

Even 20-30 minutes of moderate cycling a day can significantly contribute to heart health. It also helps manage stress, which is another major factor that affects the heart. The key is consistency rather than intensity. small, persistent habits Like cycling every day goes a long way in protecting your heart and improving overall well-being,” said Dr Malani.

However, there are a few limitations to keep in mind. “Cycling mainly works with the lower body muscles, so it may not provide a complete full-body workout unless combined with other forms of exercise, such as strength training, stretching, or core exercises. In addition, poor posture, improper seat height, or excessive resistance may cause knee strain or low back pain,” said Dr. Madbeer.

Health experts generally recommend that adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week.

“A home exercise bike can be a practical and convenient way to achieve this goal, but it should ideally be part of a balanced program. A fitness routine This includes proper warm-up, muscle strengthening, flexibility exercises, and healthy lifestyle habits,” said Dr. Madridi.

rejector: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or experts we spoke to. Always consult your health professional before starting any routine.