Four Fitness Tips to Reduce the Risk of Heart Disease from Oak Crest Fitness Manager

February is American Heart Month, a perfect time to share practical tips for lowering the risks of heart disease – the leading cause of death in the U.S.

Fitness expert Andrew Lingelbach discusses four practical steps people of all ages, including the nation’s rapidly growing senior population, can take to improve their heart health. Lingelbach and several seniors who are living heart-healthy lifestyles at Oak Crest, an Erickson Senior Living community in Parkville, Md., present the following tips:

1. Engage in regular exercise- Any kind of exercise can be good for your heart, including lifting weights, walking, dancing, swimming, yoga, or even boxing, to help keep your heart strong and healthy. Many organizations recommend aiming for at least 3 hours of exercise a week.
2. Eat a balanced and healthy diet- A varied diet of vegetables, fruits, and proteins is essential to keep that ticker ticking – and the less processed the food, the better.
3. Prioritize mindfulness- Take a breath! Stress management and emotional regulation are incredibly important for maintaining heart health. Meditation, prayer, and other spiritual practices are wonderful ways to step back and breathe.
4. Socialize and make new friends!- Isolation and loneliness can negatively impact your heart health. Find a group or club to meet new people!

In addition to Oak Crest's standard personal training options and nearly two dozen staff- or resident-led exercise classes, the community will also host special events in February focused on heart health, including:

• Create Your Own Stress Ball
• Chair Olympics
• Pound & Pour
• Wear Red Day for staff

More about Andrew Lingelbach

Lingelbach holds a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science and multiple certifications through the American College of Sports Medicine. With over 15 years as a health & wellness professional, international presenter, and exercise historian, he brings a unique leadership style to his fitness staff at Oak Crest. As fitness manager, he oversees all fitness programming in both independent and assisted living neighborhoods, provides group exercise classes and personal training, and encourages fitness opportunities for all Oak Crest residents and staff.