Published on: 09-May-2024
When you live with a chronic health condition, life finds plenty of ways to make the simplest things more difficult. That includes exercise. However, just because you have arthritis, fibromyalgia, or something along those lines, that doesn’t mean you can’t be as fit and healthy as everyone else. There are plenty of different workouts you can do that will keep you active and may even relieve some of the difficulties you face because of your condition.
Obviously, you should always check with your doctor first before potentially putting your body through something it can’t handle. However, if they give you the go-ahead, then these are the exercises you may wish to start doing.
Yoga
One of the great things about yoga is that you don’t have to leave the house to do it. You can easily find a spot for yourself in the living room and start stretching. Of course, that convenience is just scratching the surface when it comes to the benefits of this exercise. There’s also the fact that yoga improves flexibility, strengthens muscles, and relaxes your mind, all good things for those living with a health condition.
It’s believed that yoga can help with fibromyalgia. Although the research isn’t definitive, there does seem to be a positive trend in the effect that this exercise can have on physical and mental symptoms. It’s certainly not bad for your health anyway.
Walking
Walking is probably considered the most basic form of exercise, which works in your favor if you have a chronic health condition. While certain illnesses might make walking a challenge, you’ll likely still find it easier to do than other more intense activities. Perhaps the main benefit of walking is that it can reduce stiffness in your muscles. Even if you don’t go very far, it’s always good to stretch your legs and stay mobile. Sitting around for too long could end up making your condition worse, which is not what you want.
Cycling
If you want something that’s a bit more intense than walking – but only just – you can always give cycling a go. It’s an excellent exercise that will help strengthen your joints and muscles, making you feel a little stronger, mobile, and more flexible. Plus, while it might be low impact, it can help you maintain a healthy weight, provided you match it with a good diet.
Some people might be wary of cycling due to the fear that their condition could flare up while near other vehicles. That’s why it’s a good idea to invest in some road bike insurance. Crash/accidental damage, medical coverage, and roadside assistance are all covered by Velosurance, along with a range of other incidents that might occur.
Water Aerobics
Water aerobics is a good exercise to get involved in if you want to help your body while also spending time with other people. It’s definitely one of the more social activities that is easier to do for those with chronic health conditions. By exercising in the water, you not only take some of the pressure off your joints, but you also get to relax your muscles. That’s provided that the water is warm, of course. If it’s cold, you could do yourself more harm than good. Most pools tend to be a reasonable temperature, though, so you can improve your strength, stamina, and flexibility without worrying about tensing up.
Pilates
Similar to yoga, Pilates is also a good exercise at helping improve flexibility and increase strength. It’s an excellent workout for your core muscles, including your abs and glutes, as well as your lower back. In fact, research has suggested that Pilates can improve back pain for those living with it as a chronic condition.
However, it should be noted that due to the nature of Pilates, it’s always best to check with an expert that you’re doing the exercise properly. Doing it incorrectly could end up causing you greater discomfort which you want to avoid. That means it may be worth joining a Pilates class rather than doing it at home, at least to begin with.
Weightlifting
If you’ve ever thought that weightlifting was just for bodybuilders, then you’re in for a surprise. It’s actually a brilliant exercise for people of all sizes, including those who live with chronic health conditions. That’s because it can strengthen the muscles around your joints, thereby easing some of the pain that you may experience.
On top of that, it’s also a good exercise for turning fat into muscle, making you stronger and reducing the risk of injury – provided you’re careful. It can also do great things for your posture, and it may even improve your mood, too. Who knew?
Chronic health conditions may be debilitating at times, but by no means can they stop you from living a happy, healthy life. These exercises should all be possible in your condition, and in some cases, they may even make you feel better. Just remember to speak with a health professional before diving into anything that may be too intense.
