Whatever your exercise goals, keeping your heart strong and healthy has to be top of the list. Here are some of the benefits that working out and eating well have on your heart health.

There are 2.3 million people in the UK living with heart disease. The good news is that many of the big risk factors – high blood pressure, raised LDL cholesterol and a waste height ratio above 0.5 – are under your control.

The dietary protocols are fairly predictable: more fibre-rich whole foods, less processed meat and refined carbs. Keep in mind that diet that are high in sugar can increase the synthesis of LDL cholesterol.

In terms of exercise, cardio is king. And ‘cardio’ it doesn’t just mean a narrow choice between running, jogging and plodding: fast-paced dumbbell circuits and bodyweight drills count too.

The decider:
It’s a tie