Physical fitness is very important in today’s world. Everyone is enjoying the benefits of greater strength and feeling better. Exercise keeps your body strong and healthy.
Yes. In the past, people thought that people with kidney disease would not be able to join in vigorous activity. We know now that patients who decide to follow an exercise program are stronger and have more energy.
With exercise, it becomes easier to get around, do your necessary tasks and still have some energy left over for other activities you enjoy.
In addition to increased energy, other benefits from exercise may include:
Yes. Before beginning any exercise programme be sure to check with you doctor.
>When planning a directed exercise programme, you need to look at four things:
Here are some tips on each:
Choose continuous activity such as walking, swimming, bicycling (indoors or out), skiing, aerobic dancing or any other activities in which you need to move large muscle groups continuously.
Low-level strengthening exercises may also be beneficial as part of your programme. Design your programme to use low weights and high repetitions, and avoid heavy lifting.
Work toward 30 minutes a session. You should build up gradually to this level.
Exercise at least three days a week. These should be non-consecutive days, for example, Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Three days a week is the minimum requirement to achieve the benefits of your exercise.
This is the most difficult to talk about without knowing your own exercise capacity. Usually, the following ideas are helpful:
The most important thing is to start slowly and progress gradually, allowing your body to adapt to the increased levels of activity.
Try to schedule your exercise into your normal day. Here are some ideas about when to exercise:
Yes. You should not exercise without talking to your doctor if any of the following occurs:
If you stop exercising for any of these reasons, speak to your doctor before beginning again.
Please consult your doctor for specific treatment recommendations.
The UK NKF wishes to thank the US National Kidney Foundation for their permission to reproduce the above article on this web site.
©2011 National Kidney Foundation. All rights reserved. This material does not constitute medical advice. It is intended for informational purposes only.
©2010-2020 National Kidney Federation (NKF)
All rights reserved.
NKF Controlled Document No. 180, Staying Fit With Kidney Disease, written 8 July 2000. Last reviewed 28 May 2011.
The National Kidney Federation cannot accept responsibility for information provided. The above is for guidance only. Patients are advised to seek further information from their own doctor.
The National Kidney Federation is registered in England and Wales as a Company limited by guarantee (Company No 5272349) and awarded charitable status (Charity Number 1106735). Give as You Earn contributions No. CAF GY511.
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Page created: 8 July 2000
Last updated: 9 May 2011