Exercise is often one of the first activities that fall by the wayside when a person is dealing with a chronic condition or managing an unexpected diagnosis. However, sticking with a preventive care plan to move your body regularly can actually help improve some health issues while minimizing the side effects of certain chronic conditions.
How Much Exercise Is Enough?
Though the expert recommendation is a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week, plus muscle-strengthening exercises twice a week to achieve health benefits, every person is different.
Develop a personalized exercise plan with your doctor that honors the health challenges you’re experiencing while keeping a health goal in mind. Overdoing exercise can lead to injury and further health complications. Easing into your efforts and doing your best consistently is the fastest route to success.
Exercise Can Improve Health Issues
When you don’t feel well and your body and brain are tired, especially from a chronic condition, the last thing most people feel like doing is moving their body. There are days when you will need to rest and your whole being will demand it – and rest you must. It is essential that you listen to your body. Just don’t forget about movement entirely. Here are five health conditions that can benefit from regular exercise:
- Type 2 diabetes. Believe it or not, exercise improves blood sugar control and helps manage type 2 diabetes by enhancing sensitivity. With regular movement can enjoy energy boosts.
- Heart disease. Exercise can improve cardiovascular health by lowering blood pressure, reducing bad cholesterol, and decreasing the risks of heart attack and stroke.
- Arthritis. Patients with any type of arthritis can be limited in how they move, but it is possible to reduce joint pain and stiffness and strengthen bones and muscles.
- Obesity. Besides nutrition and diet, the best way to improve weight loss is through regular exercise. Bodily limitations may impact the kind of movement you’re capable of, but your doctor will guide you in developing an exercise plan that suits your abilities.
- Mental health. Mental health conditions like depression and anxiety can be soothed by exercise. Movement is not a cure, but it supports efforts to activate the brain and minimize the side effects of all-encompassing mental health challenges. Exercise also contributes to better sleep and improve cognitive function.
Get Exercise Support from Dr. Jon Swetech
Regular, moderate exercise can make a difference in how you feel and even help you get out of bed or off the couch. If nothing else, the smallest amount of exercise will make you feel accomplished, especially while managing health challenges.
Exercise is not one-size-fits-all, so it’s important to talk to your doctor about the kinds of activities that will improve your ongoing conditions without exacerbating other health conditions, from walking to yoga, weight lifting to swimming. Schedule a consultation with me, Dr. Jon Swetech, at Swetech Medical Center to discuss your overall well-being and develop a manageable, enjoyable exercise plan that can help you feel better.
Nothing in this blog is official medical advice. See your doctor for customized care.
