What Is Cholesterol?

• Cholesterol is a soft, waxy substance found in the bloodstream and inside the body's cells. Some of it occurs naturally in the body, while some of it comes from the foods people eat. Though it may have a bad reputation, cholesterol actually performs many important bodily functions such as creating cell membranes and producing some hormones. Cholesterol is usually classified as either "good" or "bad." High density lipoprotein, or HDL, is known as the good type of cholesterol. Low density lipoprotein, or LDL, is known as the bad type of cholesterol. Too much bad cholesterol in the blood can lead to health problems such as coronary heart disease. The cholesterol builds up along the walls of a person's blood vessels and hardens into a thick substance known as plaque, which restricts blood flow.
  
  

How Exercise Lowers Cholesterol

• Regular exercise accompanied by a healthy diet is one of the proven ways of lowering one's cholesterol. Cardiovascular exercise such as running, swimming, biking and dancing strengthens the heart muscle, increases lung power and reduces excess weight. These results are extremely beneficial to a person experiencing high cholesterol levels because a strong heart and lungs are less likely to suffer from coronary heart disease. In many people, regular physical activity (about 30 minutes a day, three times a week) increases the level of HDL cholesterol, while lowering LDL cholesterol. Furthermore, regular exercise helps to maintain a healthy weight, which is crucial in the fight against high cholesterol. As excess weight drops off, so does the levels of bad cholesterol in the blood.
  
  

Tips and Warnings

• Before starting any exercise routine, consult your physician for tips on how to prevent injury and get the most out of your workout. If you have been inactive for awhile, it is imperative to begin your new exercise routine slowly to decrease risk of injury such as strained muscles or back pain. However, you don't have to resort to difficult exercises such as running or weight lifting to lower your high cholesterol levels. Even milder exercises such as daily walks or light morning jogs can do wonders if done on a regular basis. It is best to begin with lighter methods of exercise and gradually move on to more physically demanding routines.