Monday, July 29, 2013

Exercising with Health Challenges

Exercise can be an important part of coping with a chronic disease or recovering from an injury while also increasing longevity and quality of life. It improves energy, strength, balance and coordination; and acts as a potent pain reliever and antidepressant. But many people don't know what exercise guidelines to follow for optimal health and management of their disease or disorder. Coordinate with your healthcare provider and certified fitness professional to make the most of your exercise experience, and to improve your health and quality of life.

The Heart of the Matter
Living with a heart condition can involve huge adjustments to your lifestyle, such as new ways of eating, new medications and even changes in your sex life. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Cardiac rehabilitation is an outpatient program designed to improve your physical, psychological and social well-being. Program staff includes registered nurses, exercise physiologists, and other health care professionals. Through a structured program of medically-supervised exercise, lifestyle coaching, education, and risk-factor modification, cardiac rehab helps stabilize your condition and can slow the progression of your heart disease and in some cases, even reverse it. Most of all, it can help you get your life back and give you the knowledge and confidence you need, to take great care of yourself.

Once you have completed any doctor recommended rehab program, it can be hard to know where to go and what to do next.  Finding a good personal trainer with training in rehab techniques can be a good way to continue on with your ongoing health challenges.  Group classes and small group training are also a great way to get support, exercise, and even make new friends.  In our small group training on Wednesdays and Saturdays we have all ages and health issues, but everyone works to their own level with a wide variety of modifications.  We even have occasional parties (with healthy food), to celebrate the new relationships we have developed.  Come and join us Wednesdays at 9:00 a.m., or Saturdays at 11:30 a.m.  Try the first one free, and sign up for the next summer session (8 weeks at only $99).

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