Reactivate Blood Circulation With 5 Exercises
Regularly adopting certain healthy habits can help reactivate blood circulation, relieving many ailments and preventing diseases. Exercise, for example, facilitates the venous return of the legs, avoiding or alleviating ailments such as inflammation and heaviness.
Physical activity practiced on a regular basis sets in motion the blood flow throughout the body; in addition, it strengthens the arteries and veins, preventing them from deteriorating. It is also a great ally to reduce cholesterol and toxin levels, two factors linked to the onset of vascular diseases.
The best part is that, in order to decide to exercise and enjoy the benefits that come with it, there is no need to join a gym or attend a sports center. There are several exercises that we can perform comfortably at home without any need for professional machines or tools.
Are you interested in learning more? In this case, let’s find out why it is important to reactivate blood circulation and see some simple exercises that we can introduce into our daily routine.
Why is good blood circulation important?
To work optimally, all the organs of the body depend on proper blood circulation. For this reason, in the presence of some kind of difficulty or obstruction, serious symptoms and diseases can occur which significantly reduce the quality of life.
Good circulation allows the transport of oxygen, nutrients and energy to every part of the body. For this reason, it is of fundamental importance that all vital functions can be carried out correctly.
Why do circulatory problems arise? There are several reasons:
- Sedentary lifestyle.
- Suffering from chronic stress.
- Overweight or obesity.
- Problems with high cholesterol.
- Consumption of alcoholic beverages and tobacco.
- Using clothes that are too tight.
- Suffering from cardiovascular disease or diabetes.
- Consumption of foods rich in saturated fats and trans fats.
The 5 best exercises to reactivate blood circulation
The movements of the body that are performed thanks to these exercises stimulate the correct blood flow. So, if there are any reasons why you want to reactivate your circulation, it is best to start performing certain activities as part of your daily habits.
1. Leg lift
The leg lift is a simple exercise that helps strengthen muscles by improving circulation in the lower limbs. It is recommended as an aid to prevent the appearance of varicose veins, as it also reduces inflammation caused by tension.
What to do?
- Lie on the floor or on the bed, raise your legs towards the ceiling and try to stretch them as far as possible.
- Hold the position for a few seconds, then bend your knees and straighten them again.
- Perform 15 to 20 repetitions.
2. Bicycle
While riding a bicycle is an excellent way to reactivate the circulation, just imitating the movement is very beneficial. Doing this exercise strengthens the abdominal wall and improves the return of blood to the heart.
What to do?
- Lie on your back with your hands on your head or behind your neck and your legs straight.
- Raise your legs and start simulating the movement of pedaling on a bicycle for about a minute.
- Contract your abs to prevent your legs from falling to the ground.
- Do 2 or 3 repetitions of one minute each.
3. Toe lifts
As its name implies, this exercise consists of lifting your heels, putting yourself on tiptoe. This movement allows to reactivate the circulation and strengthen the calves.
What to do?
- Stand with your hands on your hips and holding two light weights.
- Lift your heels off the floor so that your weight is placed on your toes.
- Hold the position for 3 to 5 seconds and return to the starting position.
- Perform 15 to 20 repetitions.
4. Step
There are many reasons why this exercise is recommended to improve circulatory health. First of all, it is a cardiovascular exercise that helps you lose weight, and this reduces the pressure on the veins. In addition, it facilitates venous return and reduces inflammation in the legs.
What to do?
- Look for a rise or step to stand on.
- Place one foot on the step and, keeping your arms at your sides, transfer your weight and straighten your forward leg.
- Alternate legs for a total of 15 repetitions.
5. Spreads
You can do this exercise on the floor or on a more comfortable surface, such as a bed or yoga mat. Following the movement of the legs, the blood flow returns from the lower part of the body to the heart, reducing the appearance of varicose veins.
What to do?
- Lie down on the chosen surface, with your eyes turned to the ceiling.
- Lift your legs keeping them straight and spread them apart without letting them fall to the ground.
- Bring them together and repeat the movement 15 or 20 times.
Yoga offers many other possibilities
Do you feel heavy legs? Do you notice any inflamed or bruised veins? Then you absolutely must practice these exercises to reactivate the circulation. You can do them even before you suffer from circulatory disorders: they are very good and will only steal a few minutes.
Remember that many yoga exercises can be performed in combination with the ones we told you about in this article. So, if you are looking for some inspiration to vary your routine, all you have to do is check out the various yoga postures that can be performed standing. There are so many!
