At Hussle, we’ve previously partnered with HEART UK to support their mission of preventing cardiovascular disease through greater education and access to fitness. The message we share remains the same today: small, consistent action is the most powerful form of prevention.
Understanding cholesterol and why it matters
Cholesterol itself isn’t the enemy. It’s a fatty substance produced naturally by the liver and found in some foods. It is vital for cell function, hormone production, and vitamin D synthesis. Problems arise when there’s too much low-density lipoprotein (LDL, or “bad cholesterol”) and not enough high-density lipoprotein (HDL, or “good cholesterol”). High LDL levels cause fatty deposits to build up in the arteries, increasing the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases. The British Heart Foundation estimates that around 7.6 million people in the UK live with heart or circulatory disease, conditions often linked to high cholesterol.
The good news is that fitness is one of the most effective, low-cost interventions available. Regular physical activity can lower LDL and increase HDL, improving overall cardiovascular efficiency. Even 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week can significantly lower the risk of developing heart disease (NHS, 2024).
The power of movement for cholesterol management
Movement is medicine, and when it comes to cholesterol, exercise is one of the most potent forms of treatment and prevention. Cardiovascular exercise, such as walking, swimming, or cycling, strengthens the heart muscle, allowing it to pump blood more efficiently. Resistance training, meanwhile, improves body composition and helps maintain a healthy metabolic rate. Studies have shown that combining aerobic and resistance exercise can reduce LDL and raise HDL significantly.
Regular activity also helps manage weight, reduces inflammation, and improves blood pressure. These are all key risk factors in cardiovascular disease. Importantly, it has a powerful effect on mental wellbeing. Exercise reduces stress, promotes better sleep, and supports emotional regulation, factors that often affect physical health outcomes.
As we learned from our collaboration with HEART UK earlier this year, movement is more than a fitness goal; it’s a public health tool. When people have convenient, flexible access to fitness, whether that’s a lunchtime swim or a weekend yoga class, they’re far more likely to stay active and healthy.
Why heart health matters in the workplace
Heart health extends far beyond personal wellbeing as it influences how people perform, feel, and function every day at work. When employees struggle with cardiovascular issues, even in the early stages, energy levels can dip, focus and resilience decline, and recovery from stress takes longer. For organisations, this can translate into lower engagement, reduced productivity, and higher absenteeism. But beyond the numbers, it’s about the human impact and ensuring that employees have the support, flexibility, and access to tools that help them live and work well. A culture that truly prioritises health builds not only stronger performance but also deeper trust and loyalty across teams.
Employers play a vital role in shaping that culture. By supporting fitness, nutrition, and preventive health initiatives, they can create workplaces where wellbeing isn’t an afterthought, but a foundation for success. Just as companies provide health insurance to protect employees when illness occurs, investing in fitness and preventive wellness helps stop health issues, especially those linked to high cholesterol, before they begin. Together, these two pillars form a comprehensive approach to wellbeing: one safeguards recovery, the other builds resilience.
This National Cholesterol Month is a timely reminder that prevention starts long before a diagnosis. HEART UK’s message: “Be the boss of your cholesterol” — calls for individuals to take ownership of their heart health, but it also challenges organisations to empower them in that journey. By offering accessible fitness benefits, flexible working options, and a culture that values health, employers can make it easier for employees to take proactive control of their wellbeing.
Ultimately, the responsibility for better heart health is shared. While medical innovation plays a role, the workplace remains one of the most powerful levers for change. When employers champion movement, balance, and education around health, they not only protect their people but also help them thrive. And in doing so, they contribute to a stronger, more resilient workforce ready to take charge and truly be the boss of their health.
Be the boss of your cholesterol — a shared responsibility
At Hussle, heart health isn’t just a campaign topic; it’s part of what drives our mission every day. We believe that national wellbeing starts with access: the ability for everyone to move, wherever and whenever it suits them. That’s why our corporate fitness benefits are designed to remove barriers and make healthy habits more achievable. By giving employees flexible access to thousands of gyms, pools, and fitness venues across the UK, we help make regular exercise a realistic part of modern working life.
Physical activity plays a proven role in managing and reducing “bad” cholesterol, strengthening the heart, and preventing cardiovascular diseases. But more than that, it builds resilience, helping people feel stronger, sleep better, and perform at their best. When companies invest in accessible fitness, they’re investing in prevention, productivity, and long-term wellbeing.
Take action
As we mark National Cholesterol Month, there’s no better time for employers to take action by championing fitness, promoting education, and empowering their teams to “be the boss of their cholesterol.” It’s a meaningful way to celebrate the campaign’s message and build a healthier, more heart-conscious workplace for the future.
