Cardiologist swears by exercise that reduces risk of heart disease and lower blood pressure

Dr. Lance LaMotte, a cardiologist who practices at the Scripps Clinic Torrey Pines in La Jolla, California, says boxing is the best exercise for improving health

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One heart doctor swears by a workout that doesn't just tick the cardio box but slashes the risk of heart disease and high blood pressure, all while serving up several other health perks.

Although he's not quite gunning for a championship belt, Dr. Lance LaMotte finds that boxing tops his list for staying in tip-top shape, sharpening his mind, and even bulking up his biceps and delts thanks to its intensity.

Boxing is also a go-getter's dream exercise, perfect for fitting into hectic lives. Chatting with Well and Good, he shared: "I obviously like to get to our heavy-bag classes a couple of days a week, but also enjoy one-on-one mitt sessions, which are great at polishing skill and footwork. I also enjoy the competitive nature of CrossFit, primarily to push my personal performance, but also to see how I compare to peers (and even those younger than me)."

Dr. LaMotte further detailed the well-rounded benefits of this vigorous sport, asserting it does more than incinerate fat and spike heart rates. It’s a full-body booster: "It engages the core.

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"The footwork required enhances agility and lower body strength. It is absolutely demanding on the arms and shoulders, and builds muscle and definition. Additionally, there is intense stress relief and euphoria when hitting the bag or mitts.", reports Surrey Live.

The revered health expert emphasizes that boxing is an inclusive sport, accessible to all skill levels - you don’t need to be Anthony Joshua or Tyson Fury to lace up your gloves. He stressed: "The best thing is that no experience is necessary.

"Even the novice gets a great workout starting day one. Those with experience continue to reap these benefits and further refine skills for even better workout quality."

Dr. LaMotte sings the praises of HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training) for its substantial health perks, citing that forms of exercise like boxing are about more than just fitness gains. He detailed: "Heart healthy exercises can lower one's risk for heart attack, stroke, diabetes, dementia, better sleep, better bone health, and a better sense of overall well-being.

"There is a lower risk of depression, anxiety, and some types of cancer. Exercise can also improve cognition and memory."

Hayabusa points out that just half an hour of engaging in sparring or hitting a heavy bag can torch approximately 324 calories for someone around 155lbs, which helps explain why top-tier boxers and kickboxers often showcase ripped physiques and minimal body fat—especially when paired with meticulous diets and training regimes.

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The British Heart Foundation warns that carrying extra pounds can boost your odds of encountering a slew of health issues, including cancer, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, coronary heart disease, hypertension, and various heart and circulatory diseases like heart attacks, strokes, and vascular dementia.

Boxing, when done with proper precautions, isn't just an adrenaline rush; it's a powerful way to shed excess weight and better your BMI, which leads to a cascade of other health boons. The BHF raves about these payoffs: "It might improve your mood and your self-confidence, it can increase your energy levels and help you feel less tired, it may make it easier for you to move around and be physically active, it will reduce your risk of developing health problems like high blood pressure, cancer and heart and circulatory diseases."

Not a fan of boxing?

No sweat - the fitness arena has plenty of other HIIT adventures that can scorch calories and keep your cardiovascular system humming. Consider options like power walking, jumping jacks, burpees, planks, and jumping lunges, just for starters.