I am a triple-board certified physician, business owner, public speaker, coach, and mom of 4, including twins! I specialize in helping working parents lose weight in a sustainable, scientific method. I am transitioning to a virtual practice to focus more on my health, faith, marriage, and kids. If any of this resonates with you, add your email below to subscribe to my newsletter. I look forward to connecting with you!
Go to the Gym for an Hour Every Day… So Why Is My Heart at Risk?
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Dear Reader, Sarah* sat across from me, arms crossed, frustration written all over her face. “Dr. Loden, I work out every day. I spend an hour on the treadmill or elliptical, I hit my step goals, and my Apple Watch says my heart rate zones are great. But my recent labs showed insulin resistance, and now you’re telling me my heart isn’t as healthy as I thought?” I could tell she was frustrated. She wasn’t running marathons. She wasn’t overtraining. She was doing exactly what most people are told to do for their heart—spending at least 30 on cardio most days of the week. And yet, something wasn’t working. Why Standard Cardio Isn’t Enough for Heart HealthFor decades, we’ve been told that “cardio = heart health.” Doctors and fitness experts alike recommend 30-60 minutes of steady cardio as the gold standard for preventing heart disease. Sarah had been following that advice perfectly—yet her body was showing early signs of metabolic dysfunction. Why? 🚨 Most cardio workouts don’t improve metabolic flexibility. Many people doing daily cardio are still burning mostly sugar for fuel, instead of fat. That leads to insulin resistance, which increases heart disease risk. 🚨 Cardio alone doesn’t preserve muscle mass. After age 30, we naturally lose muscle if we’re not actively maintaining it. Less muscle means a slower metabolism, more insulin resistance, and a weaker heart. 🚨 The wrong intensity can increase stress instead of build resilience. Many people spend too much time in the gray zone—too intense to be truly restorative, but not intense enough to build strength. Sarah raised an eyebrow. “So you’re telling me that my cardio isn’t bad, but it’s not doing what I think it is?” I nodded. “Exactly. If we really want to improve your heart health, we need to focus on two specific types of training.” Training a Strong Heart1️⃣ Zone 2 Training: The Heart’s Secret Weapon 💙 You should be able to speak in complete sentences but be slightly short of breath. 💙 Teaches your body to burn fat for fuel instead of relying on sugar, improving insulin sensitivity. 💙 Builds mitochondrial efficiency, which lowers inflammation and strengthens cardiovascular function. 2️⃣ Strength Training: The Missing Piece for Heart Health Sarah frowned. “I’ve always avoided strength training because I thought cardio was enough for my heart.” I smiled. “You’re not alone. Most people focus on burning calories instead of training their heart in the best way possible.” How We Approach Heart-Healthy Training DifferentlyAt Vitality Medical & Wellness Consulting, we focus on exercise that protects your heart for the long run. ✔️ We assess your metabolic health to determine the best exercise prescription for your unique needs. Sarah sighed, then smiled. “Okay, I get it now. I don’t need to work out harder—I need to work out smarter.” I nodded. “Exactly. And the good news? We can start making those changes today.” Are You Training for Longevity or Just for Calories?Most people think hitting the treadmill or elliptical every day is enough for their heart. But real heart health comes from training your body to use energy better, not just burning calories. At Vitality Medical & Wellness Consulting, we help you train your heart in a way that prevents disease, builds strength, and optimizes long-term health. ✅ Want a heart-healthy workout plan tailored to your metabolism? Click below to schedule a Metabolic & Heart Health Consultation Because longevity isn’t about exercising more—it’s about training smarter. Warmly, *Patient name has been changed for privacy. Thanks for reading! If you loved it, tell your friends to subscribe. |
Vitality Medical and Wellness Consulting
I am a triple-board certified physician, business owner, public speaker, coach, and mom of 4, including twins! I specialize in helping working parents lose weight in a sustainable, scientific method. I am transitioning to a virtual practice to focus more on my health, faith, marriage, and kids. If any of this resonates with you, add your email below to subscribe to my newsletter. I look forward to connecting with you!
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