Staying physically active is important and can have both immediate and long-term health benefits. When you are active, you can decrease your risk of developing health problems, including heart disease, strokes, diabetes, cancer, and so much more. But what about kidney disease?
If you’ve just been diagnosed with kidney disease, you may wonder if exercising is something you can continue to do. Fortunately, people with kidney disease can take part in vigorous physical activity. However, it is important to note that you should always speak with your physician before beginning any new exercise routine.
Benefits of Exercise
Exercise is important for several reasons, including:
- Improves memory and brain function
- Protects against many chronic diseases
- Aids in weight management
- Lowers blood pressure
- Improves quality of sleep
- Reduces feelings of anxiety and depression
- Improves joint pain and stiffness
Staying Fit With Kidney Disease
Before you jump into any exercise program, be sure to speak with your doctor. When deciding on an exercise program, there are four critical things to consider:
Types of Exercises
You should ease into a beginner to an intermediate workout routine. This means simply walking, doing household chores, gardening, or participating in aerobic exercises. You can even use light weights when working out to incorporate strength training.
How Long to Exercise
When your kidneys start to lose function, toxins and impurities in the blood begin to build up. This can cause people to feel more tired, have less energy, and have trouble concentrating, according to the National Kidney Foundation.
A 30-minute session is a perfect starting point. Even if you can’t reach 30 minutes of being continuously active, you can build up gradually. However, if you are capable of doing longer, go ahead!
How Often to Exercise
You should aim to move around every day, even if that includes a 10-minute walk during lunchtime. For beginners, it is recommended to exercise at least two to three days per week. These should be non-consecutive days, meaning Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
How Hard to Work When Exercising
Every person is different when it comes to how hard they need to work to benefit from exercising. You don’t want to overwork yourself to the point that it hurts or you feel unwell. When exercising, the intensity should be a comfortable push level. Always start slow and progress gradually, allowing your body to adapt.
Contact us
At Summit Medical Clinic, we provide consultation and ongoing care for the prevention and treatment of kidney-related diseases. Schedule an appointment by calling (719) 630-1006 or visiting our website.
