Arterial stiffness decreases the capacity of blood vessels to control blood flow, increases blood pressure and overloads the heart. Arterial stiffening is linked to poor metabolic health and metabolic syndrome – a group of health problems related to heart diseases and stroke that include high blood pressure, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, abnormal blood gats and abnormal obesity. David Donley from the West Virginia University School of Medicine and colleagues found that eight weeks of aerobic exercise reduced arterial stiffness in people with metabolic syndrome. Aerobics improved blood pressure control and the efficiency of the heart. Weightlifters should finish workouts with at least some aerobic exercise to prevent blood vessel stiffening and high blood pressure.