Exercise is one of the best ways to reduce cholesterol levels in the blood. It makes no difference whether you're overweight or not. Most doctors agree that eating a balanced diet and exercising is an effective way to lower cholesterol.

What Is Cholesterol?

According to the American Heart Association, cholesterol is "a soft, waxy substance found among the lipids (fats) in the bloodstream and in all your body's cells." Too much cholesterol in the blood may lead to health problems such as heart disease.

How Much Exercise You Need

Everyone is different, and you should talk to your doctor about starting an exercise regimen, but in general, 30 to 60 minutes of brisk exercise per day is the recommendation.

How Much You Can Reduce Cholesterol

The amount that you can reduce your cholesterol with exercise depends on the individual, but in general, people with poor dietary and exercise habits will benefit more than others. According to researchers at Johns Hopkins University, some people can reduce their cholesterol as much as 10 to 15 percent with exercise.

Types of Exercise

There are many types of exercise that you can use to help lower cholesterol, including walking, running, swimming, riding an exercise bike or using an elliptical trainer. Also, lifting weights is great exercise. Even everyday household chores such as cleaning the house and raking leaves are good exercise.

Exercise Benefits

Exercise has many benefits beyond lowering cholesterol, including helping you lose weight and sleep better, lowering your risk of many diseases, improving your ability to fight sickness and infection and improving your self-esteem.

Source:

American Heart Assocation

Mayo Clinic

Web MD

Resource:

Free Exercise Plans