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People with kidney failure can lead healthy lives filled with many of the activities they enjoyed before they became sick. One activity which should be continued or started, if not done before, is exercise. Exercise has many benefits for the renal patient.
- It strengthens your heart and reduces the risk of heart attack.
- It gives you more energy.
- It can lower your blood pressure and reduce the number of medicines needed.
- It can strengthen your muscles and make your joints more flexible.
- It can reduce depression, anxiety and stress.
- It can help control your blood sugar.
- It can lower the level of fat and cholesterol in your blood.
Many patients feel they are too weak or too sick to exercise. This does not mean that exercise should be avoided. It may be the very thing your body needs. Your muscles and heart become weak when you are inactive and your joints get stiff. Exercise can reverse this and make you feel healthy again.
You should check with your physician before starting an exercise program to determine if any limitations should be set. High impact exercises are usually avoided in dialysis patients due to the risk of bone problems. Your doctor can help you develop a program which best suits your needs. Every patient's prescription for exercise will differ according to individual needs and physical limitations.
Several types of exercise are recommended for renal patients. They include:
- Flexibility/stretching exercises - help you move more easily.
- Strengthening exercises - make your muscles stronger with the use of weights or other resistance techniques.
- Cardiovascular exercises or aerobics - strengthen your heart and lungs and improve your circulation, can also improve your endurance.
Many dialysis units have started exercise programs within their facility. Exercise may be done during your dialysis treatment. Your facility may have a stationary bicycle you may "ride" during your treatment, or small hand weights you may use. Other stretching exercises maybe done while in the dialysis chair during your treatment.
Exercise does not have to be limited to programs only within your facility. There are other programs available in most communities such as YMCA or YWCA, hospital-based classes, gyms, and Mall Walkers. Physical therapists are also available to help you get started. If your doctor refers you to one, Medicare may pay for several visits. You really don't need fancy gyms and equipment or special clothes to exercise,although a good pair of exercise shoes may be a worthwhile investment. Just remember, whatever plan of exercise you choose, have your doctor approve it.
To exercise successfully follow these steps:
- Have a positive attitude toward exercise.
- Set reasonable goals.
- Record your progress.
- Have patience with your progress.
- Reward yourself for your accomplishments.
- Make it as enjoyable as possible.
- Be flexible.
- Don't overestimate your limitations.
 Remember, exercise is one of the most important things you can do for yourself. You may not begin to run marathons or even walk one, but your exercise program may lead you back to activities you enjoyed and took for granted in the past. You may have forgotten what it was like to walk to your mailbox, or play with your children without getting tired. You may have become dependent on others to help you dress, or get in and out of bed. You may have even become wheelchair or walker dependent. Exercise may not change every situation above, but it has been known to change many. It is a vital part of your rehabilitation that will lead you to a better, healthier, more satisfying life. So, get started, and good luck!
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