February Is American Heart Month ❤️
A pause, a pulse check, and a reminder we all need.
February is officially American Heart Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness around cardiovascular health and encouraging us to take a closer look at how we care for our hearts. But beyond the red outfits and heart-shaped reminders, this month is really about reflection. How are we moving? How are we fueling our bodies? And most importantly… are we listening to the signals our heart is sending us?
At The LAB, heart health is woven into everything we do. Whether you’re sweating through a 30-minute circuit or dancing your stress out on the studio floor, you’re actively supporting one of the most important muscles in your body.
Let’s break it down.
Why Heart Month Matters
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women, yet it’s often misunderstood, under-recognized, or brushed off as “stress” or “anxiety.” During a recent panel I attended, one topic stood out deeply: many women experience chest sensations, tightness, or discomfort and are told it’s anxiety without further exploration.
Sometimes it is anxiety.
Sometimes it’s stress.
And sometimes… it’s something more.
That’s why understanding your personal baseline is everything.
Knowing Your Baseline: Your Normal Is Not Universal
Your baseline is what feels normal for you.
One of the most important things I took away from the panel I listened to was this: baseline matters more than averages.
Here’s a real example from my own life.
My cardiovascular age is significantly better than what’s considered “average” for my actual age. That’s my normal. That’s the baseline my body operates from because of how consistently I move, train, and take care of my heart.
So if one day my numbers suddenly shifted into what’s considered the “normal range” for someone my age, that wouldn’t automatically be reassuring for me. In fact, it would be a red flag.
Because normal for the population isn’t always normal for you.
That shift would tell me something has changed. Something is off. Something deserves attention.
This is why it’s so important for women, especially, to understand our personal cardiovascular baseline. When we’re told chest tightness, shortness of breath, or unusual fatigue is “just stress” or “just anxiety,” it can feel dismissive. Sometimes those sensations are related to stress. But sometimes they’re your body saying, “Hey, this is different.”
And when you know your baseline, you’re far more empowered to listen.
The same is true for heart health.
What does your resting heart rate usually feel like?
What does exertion feel like when you climb stairs?
How does your chest feel during stress vs movement?
What feels off for you, even if it might look fine on paper?
When you move regularly, you become more in tune with these signals. Exercise doesn’t just strengthen your heart—it helps you recognize when something feels different.
How Our 30-Minute Circuit Classes Support Heart Health
Strength training isn’t just about muscles—it’s a powerful tool for cardiovascular health.
Here’s how our circuit classes support your heart:
Improves heart efficiency: Alternating strength and cardio intervals challenges your heart to adapt and recover more efficiently.
Lowers resting heart rate over time: A stronger heart doesn’t need to work as hard.
Improves blood pressure and circulation: Resistance training supports healthier blood vessels.
Balances blood sugar and cholesterol: Key factors in long-term heart health.
Short, effective stress: That 30-minute window gives your heart a purposeful challenge without overtraining.
Think of circuit training as teaching your heart how to work hard and recover well—both are equally important.
How Dance Classes Support Your Heart (and Nervous System)
Dance offers a different, equally powerful benefit to heart health.
Sustained cardiovascular activity: Keeps your heart rate elevated in a steady, joyful way.
Improves coordination and balance: Supporting overall movement efficiency.
Reduces chronic stress: Which directly impacts heart health.
Boosts heart-brain connection: Music, rhythm, and movement work together to regulate your nervous system.
Encourages consistency: When movement is fun, you’re more likely to stick with it.
Dance doesn’t just strengthen your heart—it softens the weight we often carry around it.
Movement Helps You Listen to Your Body
One of the most powerful benefits of regular exercise is awareness.
When you move often, you notice:
When your breathing feels harder than usual
When your heart rate spikes faster than normal
When chest sensations feel unfamiliar
When recovery takes longer than it should
That awareness can be life-saving.
We never want to live in fear—but we do want to live informed, empowered, and connected to our bodies.
Your Heart Deserves More Than “I’ll Start Later”
Heart health isn’t about perfection. It’s about showing up consistently, learning your baseline, and choosing movement that supports both your body and your life.
❤️ Ready to Take Care of Your Heart?
Join us for:
30-minute circuit classes that strengthen your heart and muscles
Dance classes that elevate your heart rate while lifting your spirit
👉 Join a class today and start building a stronger, more connected relationship with your heart.
Because your heart isn’t just keeping you alive—it’s carrying you through every moment. Let’s take care of it, together.
