Contributing factors like hereditary, pregnancy, a job that requires long periods of sitting or standing, and advanced age increase your risk for varicose veins.

Fortunately, there are a number of ways to prevent or slow the progression of venous reflux, and according to vein specialists, regular exercise is a key component.

Nevertheless, not all physical activity is created equal when it comes to promoting healthy leg veins.

Keep reading to learn which exercises are beneficial to venous functioning and which workouts are stressful to circulation.

Exercises That Promote Healthy Leg Veins

Walking is one of the best forms of exercise to improve circulation and leg vein health. That’s because it strengthens and stretches the calf pump to propel blood back to the heart.

Plus, walking can readily be incorporated into daily activities by parking farther away or forgoing your car entirely and getting to your destination on foot.

Additionally, riding a bike or using an elliptical machine are both great for a low-impact cardio workout that boosts circulation. They also activate calf muscles and squeeze leg veins to keep blood from pooling in lower extremities.

Exercises That Can Place Stress on Leg Veins

Weightlifting is an activity that increases abdominal pressure, and makes it more difficult for veins to pump blood through the vena cava and back to the heart.

Therefore, individuals should try to use lighter weights, with more reps and/or wear compression stockings during and after exercise.

Other strenuous activities that can strain leg veins include: Yoga, sit-ups, crunches, and lunges. Consequently, they should be performed in moderation and combined with aerobic activity.

Other Tips for Increasing Leg Vein Function

In the absence of exercise, there are other ways to increase leg vein function such as:

• Rocking feet from heel to toe to activate calf pump while seated
• Wearing compression stockings during pregnancy and long periods of sitting or standing
• Limiting use of high-heels in favor of flat shoes with support.

To learn more about exercise and leg veins, please call our office today to schedule an appointment.

If you want to know more about exercise and leg veins, call the Vein Center of Maryland to schedule an appointment. We are conveniently located in Westminster, Eldersburg, Baltimore, Hunt Valley and Bel Air.

We also service Ellicott City and Columbia in Howard County.