Heart Health Month: Boost Your Cardio with Just Move’s Fitness Classes
February is Heart Health Month, a time to focus on raising awareness about cardiovascular health and the importance of taking proactive steps to keep our hearts strong. A healthy heart is the foundation of overall well-being, affecting everything from energy levels to mental clarity. One of the most effective ways to maintain a healthy heart is through regular cardiovascular exercise, which offers numerous benefits for both physical and mental health. Whether you’re aiming to prevent heart disease, increase endurance, or simply feel more vibrant and energized, cardio workouts are a powerful tool for achieving those goals.
At Just Move Fitness in Pleasant Hill, Oregon, we’re dedicated to making it easy and enjoyable for you to incorporate heart-healthy movement into your lifestyle. Our wide range of fitness classes ensures there’s something for everyone, whether you enjoy high-energy cardio sessions, invigorating dance workouts, or classic aerobics. No matter your fitness level or preferences, our diverse offerings allow you to find a cardio workout that fits your needs and helps you stay motivated.
This Heart Health Month, take a step toward a healthier heart and a stronger body. Join us at Just Move Fitness and show your heart the love it deserves! Whether you're new to exercise or looking to take your routine to the next level, we're here to support you on your journey to better heart health.
Why Heart Health Matters
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S., affecting millions each year. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), regular exercise can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure.
How does cardio help?
Strengthens the heart muscle, making it more efficient at pumping blood.
Improves circulation and reduces blood pressure.
Helps maintain a healthy weight, reducing the risk of obesity-related heart issues.
Lowers bad cholesterol (LDL) and increases good cholesterol (HDL).
Reduces stress and improves mental well-being, which directly impacts heart health.
Regular physical activity is one of the most powerful ways to keep your heart healthy. The AHA recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise per week to maintain cardiovascular health. Just Move’s fitness classes make it easy to reach this goal!
The Benefits of Cardio Exercise
Cardio workouts aren’t just great for your heart; they improve overall fitness and well-being. Some of the key benefits include:
Boosts heart and lung function – Cardio strengthens the heart and improves oxygen circulation.
Enhances stamina and endurance – Over time, cardio workouts help the body use energy more efficiently.
Burns calories and supports weight management – A strong heart helps maintain a healthy metabolism.
Improves mood and reduces stress – Exercise releases endorphins, also known as the "feel-good" hormones.
Increases energy levels – Regular movement keeps you feeling more awake and alert throughout the day.
Whether you prefer a high-intensity session or a more rhythmic and fun workout, Just Move has a class for you!
Just Move’s Cardio Classes for Heart Health
At Just Move, we offer a variety of group fitness classes that make cardio fun, effective, and engaging. Here are some top choices to boost your heart health:
Aerobics & HIIT Classes
HIIT stands for high intensity interval training, and these workouts combine short bursts of high intensity exercise with periods of low intensity recovery.
During each class, you can expect an hour packed with a variety of exercises to give you a cardio focused, total body workout. Not to mention, every class will be different, so you’ll never be bored! Each exercise will have modifications to fit different abilities, making this the perfect class for varying fitness and skill levels.
Nia® Dance Classes
Just Move Fitness offers an engaging and immersive experience with Nia® fitness. Led by a 2nd Degree Black Belt instructor, our Nia® dance classes are designed for all fitness levels and provide more than just a workout—they fill the gap where traditional fitness programs fall short.
Nia® is a powerful blend of dance, martial arts, and mindfulness, creating a holistic movement practice that nurtures the body, mind, and soul. With a system of 52 simple moves, each session delivers full-body conditioning, leaving you feeling energized, mentally clear, and emotionally balanced.
Practiced barefoot, Nia® fitness classes encourage you to listen to your body’s wisdom, move in ways that feel good, and build a deeper connection with yourself and your community. Whether you’re looking to explore, grow, or enhance your well-being, Nia® empowers you to live a healthy, joyful, and meaningful life.
Kids and Teens Dance Classes
We are proud to partner with the Pleasant Hill School of Dance to offer fun and creative movement classes for youth. Pleasant Hill School of Dance programs focus on building a strong technical dance foundation in a joyful and developmentally appropriate manner. The focus of class is on nurturing creativity and artistic development, and offering a warm and positive environment that all dancers can thrive in. Registration must be done through Pleasant Hill School of Dance directly.
All our group fitness classes are designed to be fun, supportive, and suitable for all fitness levels. Our expert instructors will guide you through each workout, ensuring you get the most heart-healthy benefits!
Online Training for Heart Health
Can’t make it to in-person classes? No problem! We are so excited for the newest chapter of Just Move Fitness—expanding our capabilities to help our members have their best experience ever. We are now offering online training that brings heart-healthy workouts right to your home.
Custom cardio workouts designed for individual fitness levels and goals.
Access to personal coaching through our app that integrates with AppleWatch and MyFitnessPal (among other features)
Flexible scheduling so you can exercise when it works for you.
1:1 Coaching is especially suited to people with busy schedules who want the support of a trainer but don’t want the hassle of matching calendar dates with another person for their workouts. Online coaching is also for anyone who wants to start adding a nutrition component into their fitness plan. Get access to personal coaching through our app that integrates with AppleWatch and MyFitnessPal (among other features). Our online training ensures that no matter where you are, you can prioritize heart health! Contact Coach Kendra today to set up a FREE consultation.
How to Get Started with a Heart-Healthy Fitness Routine
Starting a heart-healthy fitness routine may seem like a challenge, but it’s easier than you think! The key is to take small, manageable steps that build a strong foundation and keep you motivated. Here are some tips to help you begin your cardio journey:
Start Slow
If you're new to cardio, it's important to ease into your routine. Begin by attending 1-2 cardio classes per week, and gradually increase the frequency as your endurance improves. Starting slow helps prevent burnout and reduces the risk of injury while allowing your body to adapt.
Listen to Your Body
While it’s important to challenge yourself, overexertion can be counterproductive. Pay attention to how your body feels during and after each workout. If you feel tired or sore, take time to rest and recover. Incorporating rest days is essential for giving your muscles the time they need to rebuild and grow stronger.
Mix It Up
Variety is key when it comes to maintaining a cardio routine that’s both effective and fun. Try different classes such as dance, HIIT, or cycling to keep things fresh, and challenge various muscle groups. This not only prevents boredom but also ensures you're working your heart from multiple angles.
Stay Consistent
Even committing to just 30 minutes of movement each day can have a significant impact on your heart health. Whether it’s a brisk walk, a dance class, or a cycling session, staying consistent will help you make lasting progress.
Staying motivated can be tough, but working out with others helps keep you accountable and inspired. At Just Move Fitness, we offer a supportive and encouraging environment that makes it easier to stay committed to your goals. Join us today and become part of a community dedicated to heart health and overall well-being.
This Heart Health Month, prioritize your heart health by incorporating regular movement and exercise into your routine. Cardio workouts are among the most effective ways to strengthen your heart, enhance overall fitness, and boost your mood. Whether you prefer dancing to the beat, tackling high-intensity workouts, or a mix of both, Just Move Fitness has the ideal class to help you reach your heart health goals.
Physical activity doesn’t just improve your cardiovascular health—it helps you feel better mentally, too, reducing stress and boosting energy levels. At Just Move Fitness, we offer a variety of classes tailored to different fitness levels, making it easy to find a workout that suits you and your goals. Whether you’re new to exercise or looking to challenge yourself further, we’ve got something for everyone.
Ready to take action? Join us today to get started on the path to a stronger, healthier heart. Sign up for a membership, try a free class, or explore our online training options. No matter how you choose to begin, making heart health a priority is the first step to a longer, healthier life. Your heart will thank you for it!