Exercising with a Chronic Condition

As we age, it is not unusual to find ourselves developing health issues related to lifestyle, genetics, or simply as a function of getting older. In most instances, some type of exercise is beneficial for anyone living with a chronic condition.

In fact, I would estimate that almost half of my clients have at least one chronic condition. I work in conjunction with a client's physician and/or physical therapist/chiropractor to help them progress.

Heart Disease, osteoporosis, depression, diabetes, and arthritis can be improved with moving. Before starting an exercise program, be sure to consult with a professional who is experienced with your condition. Exercise can help people cope with the symptoms of the condition and improve your overall health. 

Find out what exercises will benefit you and the proper technique to do them safely. Ideally, an exercise program will include some cardio exercises, strength training, and stretching for flexibility.

Strength training can help with daily activities. It can help with the decrease in muscle mass and keep joints stable. Flexibility exercises and stretching keep things moving with less discomfort. These same exercises incorporate balance moves to prevent falls, especially if your chronic condition impacts your balance.

How Exercise Helps with Chronic Conditions:

Arthritis and joint pain: any type of condition that produces discomfort or pain-arthritis, joint pain or back pain can be improved by building up muscle around the affected joints to lessen stiffness. Moving better helps with quality of life.

Diabetes: regular exercise helps lower blood sugar levels. Also, with obesity, moving regularly can help with weight control and boost energy.

For patients with heart disease, exercise makes your heart stronger and can lower the risk of your heart disease getting worse.

Depression: Exercise seems to be a component for the treatment of depression. Regular movement improves both physical and mental health.

With Osteoporosis, weight bearing activity is key. A slow start to lifting weights is the best way to prevent injury. Regular and progressive weight bearing exercise is the best method.

Here are 4 quick tips:

1. Even small amounts of physical activity can help. 

2. Being active for short periods during the day can add up. 

3. Break the exercise into short chunks of time. 

4. Start slow and gradually increase your duration, intensity, and frequency. 

Starting a regular exercise routine can be challenging yet very rewarding. A Health Coach/Personal Trainer can also help with the duration of your exercise program and the intensity to strive for in order to help improve the symptoms of your chronic condition.  Have any questions? Let's talk about how we can work together. Contact me at: 908.619.8768 or send an email to: sharon.mcgeehan@att.net.