Staying Active

Exercise_space.png

Your energy level may keep you from being as active as someone without sickle cell disease. But you should still get some exercise regularly.

There are many benefits to staying active:

  • Your bones and muscles will be stronger

  • You will lower your chance of having high blood pressure or getting diabetes, heart disease, and certain types of cancer

  • You will be able to manage stress better

  • You will have more energy so that you can do more

  • You will sleep better

  • You will feel better.

 
 
 
 

How much should you exercise?

In general, you should get 30 minutes of moderate exercise at least 5 days a week. If you are not used to being active, talk to your provider before you start exercising.

Start slow, with 30 minutes 1 day a week and slowly increase to 30 minutes 5 days a week.

 
You don’t have to join a gym or use fancy equipment to get the right amount of exercise. You can walk briskly, swim, or mow the lawn.

You don’t have to join a gym or use fancy equipment to get the right amount of exercise. You can walk briskly, swim, or mow the lawn.

 


Other moderate activities you can do include:

 
Swimming_space.png

water aerobics

 
 
SA_1space.png

riding a bike

 
 
dance_space.png

dancing

gardening.png

gardening

 

You will know you are doing moderate exercise if your breathing quickens, but you’re not out of breath. You can also carry on a conversation, but you are not able to sing.

Make exercise part of your routine

There are easy ways to make exercising part of your normal routine:

  • Park a little farther away from the door when you go out

  • Take the steps instead of the elevator

  • Walk in place while you watch your favorite show, or maybe during the commercials.

 
drinking_space.png

Always make sure to stay well hydrated while you exercise.

 
 
overview_space.png

SECTION OVERVIEW

 

  • Always make sure to stay well hydrated while you exercise.

  • You don’t have to join a gym or use fancy equipment to get the right amount of exercise.

  • You should get 30 minutes of moderate exercise at least 5 days a week.

  • Participating in some group sports, like basketball, may trigger a sickle cell pain episode. Talk to your health care provider before you join a team.