Clench your first to lower your blood pressure

  • Medication (when prescribed by your GP)
  • Exercise
  • Meditation

Researchers have discovered that clenching your fist helps too.

A new study has found that isometric resistance training (IRT) is an effective as aerobic exercise and dynamic resistance in controlling blood pressure levels if you’re hypertensive.  Researchers from University of South Wales have discovered that squeezing your fist is safe and effective and its something everyone can do.  Just 12 minutes a day for 2 or 3 days a week is enough to keep high blood pressure under control.

Although researchers used a specialised handgrip tests they think that a simple fist squeeze action could work just as well and could even be done while sitting down and watching TV.

Read full study.

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