When it comes to exercise, health and safety should always be of the utmost importance. Especially if you have a medical condition that can make exercising difficult. However, there’s no need to be put off – there are plenty of exercises you can do to remain as healthy and active as possible. Your safest bet would to have a full assessment with an in home personal fitness trainer to make sure everything is properly modified before engaging in physical activity.
Why Can it be Difficult to Exercise With a Medical Condition?
While different issues, there are some similarities between Ankylosing Spondylitis, Multiple Sclerosis, Arthritis and other back conditions. Mostly that each produce symptoms of joint pain and stiffness. Any long term illness can make exercising difficult, which can be highly frustrating, especially when keeping active can have such positive effects on physical and mental health.
A lot of people believe that there are many exercises or activities you can’t do when you have a long term illness. When actually, the trick is no different to anyone exercising, now matter how fit they are. Listen to your body, and make any necessary adjustments.
What to Include when Training with a Medical Condition.
When exercising it’s always best to work with a skilled and professionally trained personal trainer, or physical therapist. They will know how to create an exercise routine that works for you and is tailored to your specific needs.
Making time for exercise everyday will help you to build and maintain strength, flexibility and function. Set aside regular time in the day for exercise that is right for you. For example, if your joint pain is worse in the morning, you should always exercise later in the day. Don’t worry too much about the length or gentleness of the activity, even a 20 minute walk a day will go a long way.
What to Avoid when Training with a Medical Condition.
Although it can be tempting to stick to what you know, don’t forget to mix up your exercise. Aim for a combination of stretching, posture-focus, range of motion, cardiovascular and strengthening exercises. As with any form of exercise, you should never do any movements that cause pain. Keep this in mind when planning any training sessions.
Don’t assume some sports are automatically off-limits to you. There are always adjustments and changes you can make, that will enable you to continue to enjoy the activities you love. Always talk to your Doctor and personal trainer first, they’ll be able to make professional suggestions to get you back out there.
What Role Does Nutrition Play in Helping to Improve Medical Conditions?
While knowing how to exercise is one thing, understanding nutrition is key to helping improve and control any medical conditions. How you fuel your body will help you during exercise, as well as during recovery after. Important for anyone with a medical illness or not. A personal trainer will be able to create a nutrition plan that is right for you, and also works perfectly with your training schedule.
