Daily squats—or other forms of strength training—can play a powerful role in lowering blood pressure and improving heart health. While aerobic exercise is vital, resistance exercises such as weightlifting, resistance band workouts, or bodyweight movements like push-ups and wall sits are equally important for cardiovascular fitness.
Squats, in particular, are a favorite among many fitness enthusiasts, including Palin, for their ability to strengthen major muscle groups and improve circulation. Others may prefer planks, an isometric exercise that engages the core by holding a push-up position without bending the arms. For Tony Gregory, now in his eighties, performing 30 seconds of planks every morning helped reduce his blood pressure noticeably.
He cites research from more than 100 clinical trials involving nearly 100,000 participants showing that planks and similar isometric exercises are particularly effective in controlling blood pressure. “It certainly worked for me,” he says.
Professor David Webb explains that while the exact mechanisms are still under study, these exercises likely improve the heart’s efficiency and reduce resistance within the blood vessels. By strengthening both muscles and cardiovascular function, daily squats or planks can enhance overall circulation, stabilize blood pressure, and support long-term heart health.
