The heart works very hard, day in and day out, to keep us healthy and alive. It beats over 100,000 times a day and can pump over 2,000 gallons of blood in that same timeframe. Yet heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in the U.S. In other words, we need to be doing a better job of taking care of our hearts.

Heart health is a broad spectrum, as it involves healthy diets, avoiding unhealthy habits (such as smoking), and finding the proper exercise routine for your heart and health. However, there will always be specific exercises that are the most beneficial for heart health. Here are five of them.

Walking

There’s a reason why many health experts are encouraging people to walk more – it’s healthy. Walking (in any form) is fantastic for your heart. A fast walk can get the heart rate up while still having a low impact on joints and muscles. Ideally, one should try to walk for about thirty minutes a day, averaging about five walks a week. Admittedly, this isn’t always an option for everyone. It is always better to find a compromise than to do nothing. So even a five-minute walk is better than nothing.

Swimming

Swimming is another excellent exercise. It gets the whole body moving while being easy on joints and bones. Like walking, consistency is key. Regular swimming is one of the best things you can do for your heart. Just remember to set your own pace according to your comfort level.

Weight Training

Weight training may be a surprising inclusion on this list – but it is a highly healthy workout for the heart. Weight training gets the heart rate up, the blood flowing, and overall can help to make the body stronger. This is important because stronger muscles place less on the heart. This is an added bonus, as the act of working out will help to strengthen the heart.

Yoga

When most people picture heart-healthy exercises, they likely imagine runners and cyclists. While these assumptions aren’t wrong – there are alternatives. The benefits of walking have proven that much. Another beneficial exercise for the heart is yoga. Yoga helps promote strength within the body, improving cholesterol and more. Plus, yoga has the added benefit of calming the mind, which will help to relax the body.

Cycling

Last but not least, there’s always cycling. There are many options when it comes to cycling. One can opt for a stationary bike or go on a biking adventure around town. The preference is yours, as either option will be equally healthy for the heart. According to experts, regular cycling can help reduce the risk of heart disease, making it the perfect addition to this list.