Regular exercise makes the heart stronger. A stronger heart can pump more blood with less effort. As a result, the force on the arteries decreases. This lowers blood pressure.
Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). There are two numbers in a blood pressure reading. The top number is the systolic pressure. The bottom number is the diastolic pressure.
According to the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association, normal blood pressure is lower than 120/80 mm Hg.
Becoming more active can lower both the top and the bottom blood pressure numbers. How much lower isn't entirely clear. Studies show drops from 4 to 12 mm Hg diastolic and 3 to 6 mm Hg systolic.
Regular exercise also helps maintain a healthy weight. Weight management is an important way to control blood pressure. If you're overweight, losing even 5 pounds (about 2.3 kilograms) can lower your blood pressure.
It takes about 1 to 3 months for regular exercise to have an impact on blood pressure. The benefits last only as long as you continue to exercise.