Need new wheels? Check out Autoblog's new car reviews.

Keeping fit when you have a health challenge

Posted: Jun 12th 2007 7:30AM by Maggie Vink
Filed under: Fitness, Healthy Habits

Finding time to exercise and maintaining a consistent physical activity routine is difficult for everyone. Add a health challenge such as arthritis, previous injury, heart condition, or osteoporosis to the mix and it may seem near impossible. But an active lifestyle is important for everyone, maybe even more so for those that are battling a chronic condition. Physical activity can build strength, promote health, increase flexibility, and foster improved balance. The American Council on Exercise offers the following tips for exercising with a health challenge:
  • Visit your doctor. Your doctor will have the specifics on what your physical limitations are. In addition, your doctor will have advice on what exercises will be beneficial and how to proceed. Depending on your condition, physical therapy may be recommended.
  • Hire a personal trainer. Certified fitness professionals are skilled in working within a set of available criteria. Do ask if the trainer has experience working with someone with your particular condition. Be sure to voice your concerns and reiterate any advice from your doctor. Your personal trainer may want to contact your doctor for specific recommendations and to receive clearance for certain exercises.
  • Maintain reasonable expectations. Don't plan to run a marathon next week if you were previously inactive. Your best bet is to slowly increase your fitness level. A personal trainer will be able to explain the type of progress they expect.

Related Headlines



That's Fit Features





How many calories burned? What is my BMI?
More weight loss tools!


Daily Fit Tip

Why is it that when we want to lose weight, we pick an arbitrary number out of the air?...

 

Featured Stories

Sponsored Links

That's Fit bloggers (30 days)

#BloggerPostsCmts
1Martha Edwards1262
2Jacki Donaldson920
3Maggie Vink769
4Bev Sklar450
5Kristen Seymour450
6Bethany Sanders424
7Fitz K.310
8Karla Carrington80
9Laura Lewis40
10Jonny Bowden40

Most Commented On (60 days)

Recent Comments


Aches, pains? Find out what your symptoms mean:

Sites We Love

Other Weblogs Inc. Network blogs you might be interested in: