If you’re systolic reading is > 160 and / or diastolic reading is > 100 it is often wise to seek medical advice before starting an exercise programme.

If you’re systolic reading is > 140 and / or diastolic reading is > 90 this is a situation that needs to be closely monitored.

Systolic BP is the pressure within the arteries when the heart is pumping.

Diastolic BP is the pressure within the arteries when the heart is in a relaxed state and the pressure on the artery walls decreases. It is considered to be the more important of the readings.

The average reading is:
Systolic 120
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Diastolic 80

If a medical referral is advised it is because High Blood Pressure (BP) can lead to heart disease and strokes and because the BP is naturally raised when you train getting this checked out by a doctor is sensible.

Exercises, stress, stimulants, sedentary lifestyle and smoking all increase the Systolic BP reading. Coincidentally exercise is also useful in lowering BP.

The same factors increase Diastolic but in addition lifting heavy weights and isometric exercises (where a position with resistance is held for longer than 15 seconds).