5 Exercises to Reactivate Blood Circulation
Practicing certain healthy habits can help to reactivate blood circulation in a way that will alleviate pain and prevent diseases. Physical exercise, for example, help to pump blood through your legs to keep them from getting inflamed or from developing varicose veins.
Regular exercise keeps your blood moving throughout your entire body and, at the same time, strengthens your arteries and veins to keep them from deteriorating. Also, it’s one of the best ways to reduce cholesterol and get rid of toxins, both linked to circulatory diseases.
The most interesting thing is that it isn’t necessary to go to the gym in order to get its benefits. There is a series of exercises that you can do from home with the need for machines or professional tools.
Are you interested in learning about them? In this article, we’ll go over why it’s important to reactivate your blood circulation and talk about some simple exercises that you can add to your routine.
What is the importance of good blood circulation?
All of our body’s organs are dependent on good circulation in order for it to work in optimal conditions. To do that, when there is some type of issue or obstruction, serious symptoms or illness can be triggered that can affect your quality of life.
Good circulation helps with oxygen and nutrient flow without interference. Because of this, it’s key for transporting the energy necessary for your body’s functions.
What causes circulation problems? There are many possible reasons:
- A sedentary lifestyle.
- Chronic stress.
- Being overweight or obese.
- High cholesterol.
- Consuming alcohol and tobacco.
- Wearing clothes that are too tight.
- Cardiovascular diseases and diabetes.
- Consuming foods rich in saturated fats and trans fats.
Reactivate blood circulation with these 5 exercises
The movements that your body makes while exercising are excellent for stimulating blood flow. Because of this, it’s best to start exercising as part of your daily habits.
1.Elevate your legs
Elevating your legs is a simple activity that helps to strengthen your muscles while also improving the blood circulation in your lower half. It’s recommended as a way to help with varicose veins because it also helps decrease inflammation caused by tension.
What should you do?
- Lay down on the floor or in your bed, elevate your legs to the ceiling and try to stretch them as much as possible.
- Maintain this posture for a few seconds, bend your knees and then stretch your legs out again.
- Do between 15 and 20 reps, until you feel more relaxed.
2. Seated bicycle
Although regular exercise on a bike is an excellent way to reactive your circulation, moving your legs as if you were on a bike also has many benefits. Doing this strengthens your abdominal muscles while also improving the blood flow to your heart.
What should you do?
- Lay down, face up, with your hands on your head or neck, legs stretched.
- Elevate your legs a bit and start to simulate the pedaling motion of a bicycle for a minute.
- Contract your abdomen so that your legs don’t fall to the floor easily.
- Do 2 or 3 reps., one minute each.
3. Heel elevation
As the name says, this exercise consists of elevating your heel so your feet are on their tiptoes. This movement reactivates your blood flow and, with time, strengthens your muscles.
What should you do?
- Stand straight with your hands at your sides, holding small weights.
- Lift your heels off the ground, so that the pressure is on the tips of your feet.
- Stay in this position for 3 to 5 seconds and then return to the start position.
- Do 15 to 20 repetitions.
4. Steps
What should you do?
- Look for a bench or something like a step that you can go up.
- When you have it, put one foot on the surface and keep one on the ground, with your hands at your side, transfer your weight and strengthen your front leg as you stand up.
- Alternate your legs and repeat the movement 15 times.
5. Leg separation
This activity can be done on the floor or on a more comfortable surface like a bed or yoga mat. Because of the movement you will do, the blood flow in the lower half of your body to your heart will improve, and this will decrease the appearance of varicose veins.
What should you do?
- Lay on any surface you’d like, looking towards the ceiling.
- Raise your legs straight and separate them to each side without letting them touch the floor.
- Join them again and repeat this movement 15 to 20 times.
Yoga to reactivate blood circulation
Yoga has many levels, so don’t worry if you’re not an “expert” at the first try. The important thing is to learn to understand your body and take it little by little with the different postures.
Are your limbs feeling lazy or tired? Do you notice any inflamed or bruised veins? Try these exercises! In fact, you can try them out even if you aren’t suffering from any circulatory problems. They are very beneficial, quick and easy.
Keep in mind that many yoga exercises can be combined with the ones we’ve discussed here. So if you’re looking for inspiration to vary your routine, just take a look at the different standing yoga positions available, there are lots!
