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Here’s How To Lower Your Blood Pressure In 5 Minutes

We all know that high blood pressure is called the silent killer because a lot of the times people show no symptoms until it’s too late. That could mean a…

Nurse practitioner doctor with tablet and stethoscope smiling
CarlosDavid.org/iStockPhoto/Getty

We all know that high blood pressure is called the silent killer because a lot of the times people show no symptoms until it's too late. That could mean a stroke or a heart attack, so keeping it low is vital.

High blood pressure is so common that the percentage of those who have it or will have it is strikingly hith.

Here's a statistic from the USC School of Medicine

About 70% of Americans will have high blood pressure in their lifetimes. What's more, only 1 in 4 patients with hypertension have their blood pressure under control. And because high blood pressure usually has no symptoms, you can have it without knowing it

The heart is a muscle

We don't always think of our heart as being another muscle that needs to be exercised like any other muscle in our bodies, but that's what is. When we get it pumping it becomes stronger, when we don't, it becomes weaker. That's why exercising is so important to our heart health and lowering our blood pressure.

We always hear terms like heart health and sometimes forget that we need to do more physical activities to achieve it. That's why aerobic exercise is great for your heart and subsequently, your heart pressure.

Getting to the gym is not always as easy for some people for various reasons, but there's evidence out now that says it really doesn't take much to lower our blood pressure. The study says as little as 5 minutes of intense exercise can lower it by 1 point, that may not sound like a lot, but when it comes to our numbers, 1 point is a lot. It might be just the start you need to get you on the path to better heart health and perhaps adding more time to your intense workouts.

Check out this segment from a recent Good Morning America segment

Ridiculous 80s and 90s Exercise Trends We're Glad Are Gone Forever

Suzanne Somers died this weekend.

Somers is known for her turn as Chrissy Snow on the 70s sitcom "Three's Company". But her real claim to fame (and fortune!) is the ThighMaster.

In the wacky world of exercise gadgets, few have had us shaking our heads and our thighs quite like Somers' ThighMaster.

This quirky contraption made Suzanne a millionaire, and it's a story that'll make you raise your eyebrows (and maybe your thighs).

Picture it: The '90s.

Neon spandex, scrunchies, and ThighMasters were all the rage. Somers, best known for her role on "Three's Company," introduced the world to this thigh-tightening device, and oh boy, did it take off like a rocket on leg day!

So, what's the deal with this spring-loaded sensation?

Well, it's simple. You squeeze the ThighMaster between your legs. Sounds kind of weird, right? But Suzanne made it look cool. She'd flash that million-dollar smile while effortlessly getting her thigh workout in, and people couldn't resist. It's like she had the Midas touch, but for thighs.

Suzanne's clever marketing played a massive role in the ThighMaster's success.

Those infomercials, with her enthusiastic pitches and before-and-after testimonials, convinced countless folks that they absolutely needed a ThighMaster in their lives. The infomercials were like a 2 a.m. siren call, and we couldn't help but pick up the phone and order one.

And the best part?

Suzanne was laughing all the way to the bank. She reportedly made millions from ThighMaster sales and even expanded her empire with workout videos and books. Who knew squeezing a piece of metal between your legs could be so lucrative?

The ThighMaster may have seemed like a crazy exercise trend, but it's a testament to the power of marketing and the charisma of its pitchwoman, Suzanne Somers. So next time you're thinking about working on your thighs, just remember – you can thank Suzanne for the giggles, grins, and well-toned gams!

Jazzercise

Jazzercise, the blend of jazz dancing and exercise, had people jiving to fitness routines. But the flashy leotards and jazz hands made participants look more like they were auditioning for a musical than breaking a sweat. It was a wacky trend that sometimes left us looking more silly than fit.

Step Aerobics

Step aerobics, a fitness fad of the '80s and '90s, often left us feeling wobbly and uncoordinated. Those plastic risers were accident-prone, and the choreographed routines left little room for rhythm-challenged folks. Tripping over your own two feet wasn't the ideal path to fitness, making step aerobics an often awful experience.

Thighmaster

Despite its fame, the ThighMaster's awesomeness didn't quite match the hype. While it may not have delivered miraculous thigh transformations, it did inspire countless people to get moving and take a step toward better health. Sometimes, it's the effort that counts more than the results.

Shake Weight

The Shake Weight craze was pure insanity. This handheld dumbbell with a vibrating gimmick promised toned arms with suggestive movements. It turned heads for all the wrong reasons and became a punchline. Fitness should be sensible, not a sideshow, making the Shake Weight one trend that's better left in the dust.

Tae Bo

The Tae Bo craze of the 90s had good intentions but often led to more injuries than fitness gains. High-impact kicks and punches were tough for beginners, resulting in sprains and strains. Safety took a backseat to enthusiasm, making it a workout trend best left to Billy Banks.

Buns of Steel

Buns of Steel exercise videos, a 90s sensation, should remain in the past. Those awkward, butt-focused workouts feel dated. Modern fitness offers effective, well-rounded routines. Let's leave the spandex and excessive posterior obsession in the past and embrace healthier, more balanced approaches to fitness.

Trampoline Workouts

Trampoline workouts of the 80s were hilariously absurd. Picture people in neon leotards, bouncing to a beat, and thinking they were getting fit. It was a comical fusion of exercise and entertainment, but hardly a fitness revolution. We were all bouncing, but maybe not in the right direction!

Bob is a native New Englander, growing up (sorta) in Maine where his love for radio started at a young age. While in high school he hosted radio shows on a local radio station, and he has never looked back. Bob joined the US Navy and served onboard the Sixth Fleet Flagship as a radio and TV host. After serving for 3 years, it was off to Emerson College in Boston. Bob hosted shows in Boston on WMEX, WVBF and WSSH in the 80’s and 90’s before heading to radio stations in Raleigh, NC, Manchester, NH, and New York City. Bob has been married for almost 25 years to Carolyn, a Woburn gal and they have 3 daughters, Nicole, Taylor, and Bridget. Bob and Carolyn are proud first-time grandparents to baby Caroline, who they plan to spoil every chance they get! “I started my career in New England and could not be happier to come back to Boston where I can root for all the Boston sports teams and eat lots of lobster rolls and clam chowder (okay not lots)… It is an honor to host the WROR morning show with LBF and wake up the World’s Greatest City!” Bob writes about recipes and restaurants, pop culture and trending topics.