Jumping Jacks Heart Rate: Fill & Download for Free

Almost any kind of activity that increases the heart rate is good for the heart. So riding an exercise bike, running on a treadmill, using a rowing machine or elliptical trainer are exercises where you are "in one place".A cardiologist friend of mine suggests for those who can't do a single block of 20-30 minutes of cardio, to instead do short multiple blocks of intense activity such as pushups against a desk while standing followed by jumping jacks for several minutes. And repeat this 4-5 times in a day.Getting the heart rate up is the key. It's not an issue of moving around.

“Could I ask you a question, what’s a heart murmur ?”My GP doctor looked confused and then asked if I wanted to know the long or short answer and why did I want to know in the first place. I began to explain that when I exercised/raised my heart rate and opened my mouth I could hear my heart… squeak ?He stated that it was highly unlikely that I could hear my heart and I was probably hearing the blood flow past my ears to which I replied “yeah that’s what google told me but … just bare with me okay ?” I stood up, did about 10 jumping jacks while probably looking like a complete fool and opened my mouth. I don’t think I will ever forgot the look on his face. Now to be fair my doctor looks like doc from back to the future so his expression coupled with that fact made the situation a lot funnier. Sure enough, as it had been doing for the past few years there was this weird squeak/chirp noise beating in time with my heart.The following events were (unfortunately?) pretty uneventful. My doctor rang the general hospital, stated my case and I spent the next few days in and out of hospital getting various tests done (usual blood tests, a 24hr ECG and an echo) .. which all came back normal. I didn’t appreciate the hospital doctor chastising me for not coming in earlier to which I replied that he would have scoffed at me and told me to go home if I had of because there was no pain. (speaking from past experiences here.)Note: if anyone out there has any ideas about what could be causing the noise I would like to hear .. currently just using it as a stupid “party trick” !Audio clip: Heart 2.m4a

Jumping jacks are a simple calisthenic exercise who’s only benefit is as a slight cardiovascular benefit, potentially they could also be used as a dynamic stretch for your upperbody.They don’t provide enough stimulation to really stimulate muscle growth.Typically they’re used as a warm up to get your heart rate going before engaging in more vigorous activities.