Ursinus College study: Exercise improves heart health in just 4 weeks

While we all know that exercise is good for us, if you are like me, knowing and doing isn't always the same thing. For many of us sticking to healthy lifestyle changes can be really difficult, especially if we feel like we are not seeing positive results quick enough.

To learn more about how exercise affects cardiovascular health,  Deborah Feairheller, assistant professor of health and exercise physiology and director of the HEART Lab (Hypertension and Endothelial function with Aerobic and Resistance Training) Lab at Ursinus College, is conducting an exercise intervention study.

Feairheller, who used to run a fitness business for nine years, when asked why people have trouble exercising more, said, "That is the million dollar question. Barriers include time and that people are not sure the best way to exercise. People don't recognize that they don't need to spend an hour in gym."

This past summer she led the pilot study where eight adults were led through an at-home circuit program with a focus on improving core strength and balance. The results were promising.

Feairheller explained, "In just four weeks, our findings indicate drops in blood pressure, total cholesterol, and triglycerides. Vascular health measures and overall fitness markers also improved."

"People love the program since it is low-impact and can be done anywhere. We've received reports of increased energy levels, weight loss, better stamina for activities such as climbing stairs and an increased sense of overall well-being."

"We're looking forward to continuing the study. In fact, we're currently recruiting study participants," she said.

The program is specifically designed so that it can be done anywhere. Exercises are functional like climbing stairs, carrying objects over a distance, and core strengthening and balance. As the study continues, they will also be including adults that do not have cardiovascular disease or diabetes. Participants may be currently inactive or active. For a comparison group, Feairheller is also recruiting adult volunteer firefighters.

"This is a small liberal arts college, and we value doing studies with students. It is hugely valuable for them to have this experience," she added.

If interested in participating in the study, individuals may contact the HEART Lab at heartlab4health@gmail.com.

Read more Sports Doc for Sports Medicine and Fitness.