Starting dialysis is a major life transition leaving patients with a bunch of questions regarding their health and well-being. One of the most common questions is whether exercise is allowed and what kind of activities are best. Unfortunately, some people are under the false assumption that exercise should be avoided when undergoing dialysis treatment. Here, we’re going to take to shed some light on this important topic.
Can you work out on dialysis?
Yes, it’s possible to work out while receiving dialysis! In fact, you should exercise regularly to maintain your health and happiness. Of course, dialysis isn’t a complete non-issue when it comes to physical activity. There are some slight adjustments you’ll need to make for the most effective and sustainable workouts. It’s a good idea to plan workouts for days you don’t have dialysis since your blood pressure is low immediately following treatment. This way, you’ll feel your strongest on the days you exercise and have the recovery time your body needs. Furthermore, it’s important to consult your doctor about exercising in light of your specific situation as each person will have unique limitations.
Why do dialysis patients feel weak?
Fatigue and lower energy levels are common side effects of dialysis treatment which can make it difficult to maintain a consistent exercise routine. Ironically, the less you exercise, the less energy you have overall. Even getting your body moving for 10-20 minutes can make a big difference in how you feel. Plus, it’s still enough to have a positive impact on your health. So, make an effort to exercise in some capacity at least a few times a week. You’ll notice a difference, and your body will too!
What kind of exercise can dialysis patients do?
In reality, dialysis patients aren’t too restricted in the types of activities they can do. Let’s take a look at 5 great exercises for patients with kidney disease:
Walking
Walking might seem too simple to be considered exercise, but it’s actually one of the best ways to stay healthy. Even walking a short distance can help you maintain a healthy weight, lose body fat, strengthen muscles and bones, and fight off various illnesses such as heart conditions, strokes, high blood pressure, cancers, and so much more.
Biking
Whether you’re riding around the neighborhood or using a stationary machine, biking is a fantastic exercise for dialysis patients. It doesn’t take long to get your heart rate up, and it’s a lot of fun! If you can bike instead of driving to run your errands, you’ll be able to sneak a workout in without disrupting your day.
Swimming
Swimming is one of the most effective forms of aerobic exercise because the entire body is involved. In just 30 minutes, you can burn 250 calories! But that’s just the start when it comes to health benefits. Similar to walking and biking, swimming can strengthen your immune system, decrease your susceptibility to certain conditions, improve your mood, and more.
Yoga
You don’t need to have expert-level balance or flexibility to perform yoga. There are exercises for all fitness and experience levels. You can start out doing chair yoga where all poses are performed from a seated position before advancing to standing and laying yoga. You’ll still get the benefits of decreased stress, improved flexibility, protection against injury, weight loss, cardiovascular health, and more.
Bodyweight Exercises
Equipment or gym memberships aren’t essential for great workouts. If you don’t have the time to go to the gym a few times per week or don’t want to pay the fees, you can use your body weight to exercise. There are countless movements you can perform without any equipment such as squats, lunges, and push-ups. You can choose from different variations of each exercise based on your experience, energy levels, and goals.
Looking for a reputable and experienced dialysis provider that genuinely cares about its patients’ health and well-being? You’re in the right place! At Dialysis Systems Management, our patients are our top priority. Contact us today to learn more about what makes us unique and how you can benefit from our advanced and flexible dialysis treatments.