5 Healthy Exercises for Your Legs

Your legs can take a beating over time, as gravity and other factors take their toll on the veins responsible for pumping blood back up to the heart. The result can be potentially serious vein disorders like DVT and the appearance of unsightly and sometimes painful varicose veins. The good news is there are steps you can take to prevent these conditions before they begin, by simply giving those legs the workout they deserve every day.

Walking

A simple walk daily can promote healthy blood flow to reduce your risk of vein disorders. As you walk, the calf muscles contract, which helps to push the blood through the veins. At the same time, walking helps you maintain a healthy weight which is another factor in preventing varicose veins.

Cycling

A bicycle ride is another good way to give those legs a healthy workout. If you can’t get outside to ride, hop on the stationery bike at your local fitness center. You can even pedal at home by lying in your back, raising your legs to a 90° angle and “pedaling” into the air.

Swimming 

If painful symptoms make you cringe at the thought of walking distances, opt for no-impact exercise like swimming. Your legs will get the same great workout, but you won’t have to worry about putting undue stress on your joints, feet and calves.

Climbing

You don’t have to climb a mountain; simply making it a point to climb a flight of stairs regularly will do the trick. Shun elevators whenever possible in favor of stairs. Go up and down the stairs in your home or head to the gym to sweat it out on the Stairmaster. Your lower legs will begin to look more toned even as you are reducing your risk of varicose veins!

Toning

Toning exercises like leg lifts, calf lifts and knee bends can promote healthy blood flow in the lower legs. Even simple stretching and flexing exercises regularly throughout the day keep the blood pumping and combat the negative effects of sitting or standing at work all day.

While healthy exercise can be an effective way to lower your risk of vein disorders like varicose veins, there is no way to completely prevent these conditions. If you do begin to notice the signs and symptoms of a vein condition, contact our staff at Advanced Varicose Vein Treatments of Manhattan. We will diagnose your condition and provide you with recommendations for your best possible treatment options. Contact us at 212-204-6501.