HealthScience DailyThe surprisingly simple exercise that could lower your blood pressure
A new study found that doing wall squats just once or twice a week may be enough to maintain lower blood pressure, even after cutting back from three sessions.
A surprisingly simple exercise routine could help lower blood pressure without requiring daily workouts or expensive equipment. In a study of 100 adults, researchers found that wall squats performed just once or twice a week helped maintain significant reductions in systolic blood pressure over the short term.
A study of 100 adults published in BMJ Open Sport and Exercise Medicine found that wall squats performed once or twice a week can help maintain lower blood pressure.
Participants did four two-minute wall squat holds per session, three times a week for four weeks, then reduced frequency for another four weeks.
Earlier research found isometric exercise can lower blood pressure as effectively as some medications, and this study suggests you do not need to do it daily to keep the benefits.
The study found participants with systolic blood pressure of 120 to 140 mmHg benefited, so ask your GP if isometric exercise could suit your situation.
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