We often think about exercise in terms of getting fitter, stronger or changing how we look – but one of its most important benefits is something we can’t always see: the impact it has on our heart health.
Heart disease can affect both men and women, and understanding the warning signs of a heart attack is just as important as knowing how to reduce our risk. The symptoms are not always as obvious as people expect, and they can sometimes present differently in women.
Know the Signs of a Heart Attack
Many people imagine a heart attack as sudden, severe chest pain. While chest pain or pressure is common, symptoms can vary.
Men are more likely to experience:
– Chest pain, pressure, tightness or heaviness
– Pain spreading into the arm, shoulder, neck or jaw
– Shortness of breath
– Sweating
– Nausea
– Dizziness or feeling light-headed
Women can also experience chest pain, but may be more likely to have symptoms that are less obvious or easily mistaken for stress, indigestion or illness.
These can include:
– Unusual or overwhelming tiredness
– Shortness of breath
– Nausea or vomiting
– Dizziness or feeling faint
– Pain in the jaw, neck, shoulders, upper back or upper abdomen
– Cold sweats
– Chest discomfort or pressure
Not everyone experiences every symptom, and some people may have very little chest pain.
If you think you or someone else may be having a heart attack, call 999 immediately. Do not wait to see whether the symptoms pass.
Simple Habits to Improve Heart Health
The good news is that many of the biggest risk factors for heart disease can be influenced by the choices we make every day.
Regular exercise, a balanced diet, good-quality sleep, managing stress, avoiding smoking and attending routine health checks can all help protect your heart.
A few simple heart-healthy tips you can start using straight away:
– Aim to move your body every day, even if it’s just a walk
– Try to include both cardio (like walking, running or cycling) and strength training each week
– Stay hydrated and choose more whole, unprocessed foods where possible
– Break up long periods of sitting with short movement breaks
– Prioritise sleep and recovery just as much as training
– Find ways to manage stress, such as breathing exercises, time outdoors or exercise
– Be consistent rather than perfect — small habits done often make the biggest difference
Why Consistency Matters More Than Intensity
This is one of the many reasons we are so passionate about what we do at Bootcamp.
Every time you attend a session, you are doing far more than burning calories or building strength. Regular exercise can improve cardiovascular fitness, support healthy blood pressure, strengthen the heart, improve circulation and help manage blood sugar and cholesterol.
However, it is consistency that makes the biggest difference.
One intense workout every few weeks cannot provide the same benefits as moving regularly. Training two or three times a week, walking more and staying active between sessions helps your heart become stronger and more efficient over time.
You do not need to be the fastest or fittest person in the group. You simply need to keep showing up.
A Healthier Heart Starts Today
At Bootcamp, every walk, run, squat, lift and hill session contributes to a healthier, stronger and more active future. Exercising outdoors and being part of a supportive community can also help reduce stress and make it easier to stay consistent.
Heart health is not about being perfect.
It is about making positive choices regularly and sticking with them over time.
Your future self – and your heart – will thank you for it.
https://www.theguardian.com/wellness/2026/jul/27/women-heart-attack-symptoms-testing