Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance found 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. Blood cholesterol levels need to be in balance or they can become a risk factor for heart disease. HDL cholesterol is the type of cholesterol involved in removing LDL cholesterol from the bloodstream so that it does not rise high enough to be a risk to heart health. Regular exercise, such as on an elliptical trainer, can help 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 that HDL cholesterol may act in a variety of helpful ways that tend to reduce the risk of heart disease. It removes LDL cholesterol from the bloodstream and recycles it and sends it to the liver for reprocessing. It also cleans the inner walls of blood vessels, the endothelium, keeping it clean and healthy. Healthy HDL levels are 40 or higher for men and 50 or higher for women.
Exercise has been shown to increase levels of this substance. Studies have shown that aerobic exercise sessions lasting at least thirty minutes four times a week are required to cause a significant increase in HDL levels. Exercise sessions of less than thirty minutes do not appear to have a beneficial effect on HDL levels, nor do excessively strenuous or very frequent exercise sessions appear to have any additional positive benefit on HDL.
An elliptical trainer is an ideal machine for developing an exercise program to keep HDL levels at healthy levels. The features of this exercise machine allow you to customize and vary your workouts to prevent burnout. You can gradually build your fitness by increasing resistance levels and incline as you become more fit. An elliptical workout has a lower rate of perceived exertion, which means your body is working more than it feels, making it easier to stick with this exercise long-term. And this machine makes aerobic exercise available to people with joint problems because it is low-impact training.
Healthy cholesterol levels are important for overall health. HDL cholesterol is essential for regulating LDL levels in the bloodstream. Regular aerobic exercise has been shown to increase HDL levels, thus being effective in this regulation process. An exercise program on a new or used elliptical trainer is a great way to keep your HDL at healthy levels.