Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that occurs naturally in all parts of the body and is required for cell membrane permeability and fluidity and as a precursor for the biosynthesis of steroid hormones, bile acids and vitamin D. Cholesterol levels in the blood need to be at a balanced level or they may become a risk factor for heart disease. HDL cholesterol is the type of cholesterol involved in taking LDL cholesterol out of the bloodstream so it does not get high enough to be a risk to heart health. Regular exercise, like the type you get on an elliptical trainer, can help to keep your HDL levels at a healthy level, reducing your chance of developing heart disease.
HDL is short for high-density lipoprotein. This cholesterol particle is dense compared to other types of cholesterol particles.. Experts believe HDL cholesterol may act in a variety of helpful ways that tend to reduce the risk for heart disease. It removes the LDL cholesterol from the bloodstream and recycles and sends it to the liver for reprocessing. It also cleans the inner walls of the blood vessels, the endothelium, keeping it clean and healthy. Healthy levels of HDL are 40 or higher for men and 50 or higher for women.
Exercise has been shown to increase the levels of this substance. Studies have shown that aerobic exercise sessions of at least thirty minutes in length four times per week are required to cause a significant rise in HDL levels. Exercise sessions less than thirty minutes don’t appear to have a beneficial effect on HDL levels nor does excessively strenuous or very frequent exercise sessions appear to have any additional positive benefit on HDL.
An elliptical trainer is an ideal machine to develop an exercise program to keep HDL levels at healthy levels. The features of this fitness machine allow you to individualize and vary your workouts to avoid burnout. You can gradually build your fitness by increasing the resistance levels and incline as you become more fit. An elliptical workout has a lower rate of perceived exertion, which means your body works harder than it feels to you, making it easier to stick with this exercise over the long term. And this machine makes aerobic exercise available to those with joint problems because it is a low impact workout.
Healthy cholesterol levels are important for overall health. HDL cholesterol is essential for regulating the levels of LDL in the bloodstream. Regular aerobic has been shown to increase HDL levels so it is effective in this regulation process. An exercise program on a new or used elliptical trainer is a great way to maintain your HDL at healthy levels.