By Batista Gremaud
February: The Month of Love… and Your Heart
February—the month of love, chocolates, and grand gestures. But while you’re planning romantic surprises for others, what about the one that works the hardest for you—your heart?
This Valentine’s Day, instead of just focusing on roses and candlelit dinners, give yourself a gift that truly lasts: a stronger, healthier heart. And guess what? You don’t have to run marathons or live on a treadmill to get there. A study highlighted by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute shows that women who strength train 3-4 times per week experienced a 30% reduction in cardiovascular-related death disease by 30%.
Yet, strength training is often overlooked—especially by those over 40—while cardio continues to steal the spotlight. It’s time to change that and show your heart some real love.
Wait… Strength Training for Heart Health? Isn’t That What Cardio’s For?
For years, we’ve been told that running, cycling, and aerobics are the best ways to keep our hearts healthy. And while cardio is great, it’s only part of the picture.
Because guess what?
Your heart is a muscle too! And just like your arms, legs, and core, it needs resistance training to get stronger. So why are we treating it like the exception? It’s time to give it the workout it deserves.
How Strength Training Helps Your Heart (Yes, Really!)
If lifting weights doesn’t seem like the obvious choice for heart health, here’s what the science says:
✔️ Lowers Blood Pressure
Strength training improves blood vessel function, helping arteries stay flexible and reducing the strain on your heart.
✔️ Improves Circulation
Lifting weights gets your blood moving efficiently, ensuring oxygen reaches your brain and muscles for better overall function.
✔️ Balances Cholesterol Levels
Strength training has been shown to lower LDL (bad cholesterol) and boost HDL (good cholesterol), reducing plaque buildup in arteries.
✔️ Reduces Stress & Inflammation
Chronic stress takes a toll on the heart, but resistance training helps lower cortisol levels and fight systemic inflammation.
Join The Club
Why Strength Training is Still in the Dark Ages (Especially for Women Over 40)
While younger generations are finally embracing strength training, many people—especially women over 40—still hesitate. Why? Because of outdated myths like:
🚫 “Lifting weights will make me bulky.” Nope! Strength training tones muscles and boosts metabolism, helping you stay lean.
🚫 “I only need cardio for heart health.” Also nope. Strength training complements cardio and offers benefits that cardio alone can’t.
🚫 “I’m too old to start.” Absolutely not. Your muscles don’t retire—they just need you to show up.
The Best Love Story? The One You Have With Yourself!
Valentine’s Day isn’t just about romance—it’s about self-love too. And what better way to show yourself love than by investing in your health?
When you prioritize strength training, you’re telling yourself:
✔ "I deserve to be strong."
✔ "I deserve to feel amazing."
✔ "I deserve a heart that beats strong for years to come."
How to Get Started (No, You Don’t Need to Deadlift a Car)
Getting into strength training doesn’t mean you have to bench-press your body weight. Start small and build from there:
Bodyweight Basics – Squats, lunges, push-ups—simple, effective, and no equipment needed.
Add Resistance – Use dumbbells or resistance bands to challenge your muscles.
Be Consistent – Aim for 2-4 sessions per week, even if they’re just 20 minutes long.
Get Expert Guidance – A structured program helps you avoid injury and see results faster.
And if you’re looking for a proven system, this is exactly what Stephen Hercy, aka Dr Fitness USA, specializes in! As the co-founder of Dr Fitness International LLC, he has pioneered Ergonomic Strength Training, a unique method designed to help you gain strength safely and efficiently—without pain, burnout, or injuries.
Give Your Heart Some Love—Start Strength Training Now!
This February, instead of just celebrating love with chocolates and roses, celebrate it with strength. Whether you’re lifting weights, lifting groceries, or just lifting your spirits, remember: The best investment you can make is in yourself.
So, do your heart a favor—start strength training now. It’s never too late to fall in love with your health.
Batista Gremaud is the CEO and president of Dr Fitness International LLC, Our comprehensive approach to wellness fosters long-term lifestyle transformations that enhance overall wellness, allowing our clients to thrive in all areas of their lives.
Our corporate wellness solutions empower employees to achieve optimal health and productivity through personalized fitness programs and innovative wellness strategies.
Website: https://www.DrFitnessUSA.com
For employee Benefits, visit https://www.DrFitnessInt.com
Call: 310-424-9608
For more information on Batista and to meet our other Heart Of Hollywood Contributors, click the link below: https://www.heartofhollywoodmagazine.com/contributors