Heart Healthy Classes for the New Year
The last time we checked, “Have a healthier heart” wasn’t on the list of the most popular New Years Resolutions, though it should be.
However, there are many popular resolutions that can help you achieve this goal, including “get more exercise” and “lose weight.” At South Denver Cardiology Associates, we are proud to offer classes that can help you achieve these goals, no matter what your current fitness level.
Walk with a Doc
This is a great entry-level activity for people who are just getting started being more active. One Saturday a month, our doctors meet up with patients in the parking lot of our Littleton location. Then we go for a walk. We provide snacks and coffee, and you can get a blood pressure check before we start, too.
During the walk, the physician leading the walk gives a short informational talk on a health topic. It’s not too in-depth: we keep it light, interesting, and relevant. That said, the topics can sometimes be pretty serious, like what are the signs of a heart attack. You’ll find it interesting and useful. We’ve been doing these walks since 2018, and it’s always a good time and an enriching experience.
The entire session takes about an hour, from 9am to 10am, including time for snacks. The next Walk with a Doc is on January 11.
SilverSneakers® Classes
SilverSneakers® is a nationwide organization that offers a combination of classes to help people get and stay active, especially people 65 and over. One of the great things about the program is its flexibility. Classes are offered in a variety of formats. If you are looking to get out and socialize as well as be active, they run classes at community centers and gyms, like our gym. If you prefer to work out in private, or if you’re a little under the weather and don’t want to get people sick, you can view classes live online. Plus, there are on-demand videos you can use to work out at any time you want.
We host several different SilverSneakers® classes at our Medical Fitness Gym, including:
- Classic
- Circuit
- Yoga
This helps people find a class that they enjoy and benefit from.
Classic
The classic workout is designed to help you maintain and improve mobility for life – and have fun doing it. The exercises are set to music and are designed to increase muscle strength and movement range. It will help you improve your ability to take on daily living activities. Resistance tools help you build strength, and a chair is available if you need support. No medical clearance or registration is required.
Circuit
This low-impact aerobic workout is really designed to increase cardiovascular and muscular endurance. It includes upper body exercises to build strength. Hand-held weights and elastic bands provide resistance. Chairs are used for seating exercises and standing support. Medical clearance and registration not required.
Yoga
Yoga is a great workout for both mental and physical fitness. This routine uses a combination of seated and standing yoga poses that will increase flexibility, balance, and range of movement. You’ll also get the benefit of restorative breathing and relaxation exercises to reduce stress and improve mental clarity. No medical clearance or registration required.
Yoga for the Heart
With recent research suggesting that yoga can help reduce the frequency of atrial fibrillation, we think this is a great workout to add to your routine. There is a heavy emphasis on relaxation and de-stressing with deep-breathing exercises, yoga poses, guided imagery, medication, and progressive relaxation. Dress comfy. You don’t need medical clearance or registration to participate.
Tai Chi
These classes harness the power of the ancient Chinese art of movement meditation to work on your mental and physical health. Learn forms consisting of slow-continuous movements to help you achieve a state of relaxation and improved health with challenging movements. You’ll enjoy better balance and coordination, and your memory can improve, too. This class is a little more rigorous, so medical clearance is required, but registration is not. Just show up ready to move.
Here’s to a Heart-Healthy Happy New Year
At South Denver Cardiology, we offer some of the most advanced techniques in interventional cardiology, but we all agree that it’s best when our patients can stay healthy and don’t need interventions. In addition, these classes can help with your recovery so that you can get back to normal faster after a procedure.
Plus, these classes are a lot of fun. Get out and meet people who are interested in staying healthy, including beginners just like yourself. Whether you feel like dropping in for a Walk with a Doc or you are ready to dig deep with long-form Tai Chi, we know that you’ll find a class that is both enjoyable and beneficial for your heart.
Check out our class schedule today to find one that is right for you.
- Services Offered at Our Structural Heart Clinic - February 6, 2025
- American Heart Month Events - January 30, 2025
- Heart Healthy Classes for the New Year - December 16, 2024
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As with any health concerns, your specific treatment program should be discussed thoroughly with your primary care physician as well as any specialists who may need to be consulted – like a cardiologist.
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