Exercising with Chronic Health Conditions

  • Post category:Health & Wellness
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Exercising with Chronic Conditions: Safe Ways to Stay Active

It’s true that almost anyone, at any age, can do some sort of physical activity. Believe it or not, it’s possible to still exercise even if you have a health condition like Arthritis, Diabetes, Heart Disease, or Chronic Pain. In fact, physical activity can actually help with some of these conditions.

For most older adults, physical activities such as walking, riding a bike, swimming, weightlifting, and gardening are safe—especially when gradually incorporated into your daily or weekly routine. First, talk to your doctor about how your condition might affect your ability to stay active.

Exercising with Arthritis

For those with arthritis, exercise can actually reduce joint pain and stiffness. In addition, weight loss may occur, which reduces stress on joints.

Helpful exercises include:

  • Flexibility exercises (e.g., stretching, tai chi)

  • Strengthening exercises (e.g., overhead arm raises)

  • Endurance activities (e.g., walking, swimming, biking)

Tip: Try low-impact activities that don’t stress your joints.

Note: Avoid certain exercises when joints are swollen or inflamed. If you feel pain in one area, focus on other parts of the body for a day or two.

Exercising with Diabetes

For people with diabetes, physical activity helps manage blood sugar levels. Daily walking and other moderate exercises are highly beneficial for older adults.

Easy ways to stay active:

  • Stretch during TV commercial breaks

  • Walk around when talking on the phone

  • Park farther away from stores or your office

Set small, achievable goals to increase your daily movement.

Exercising and Heart Health

Your everyday lifestyle choices—such as eating healthy, maintaining a healthy weight, and exercising—have a direct impact on your heart.

Facts:

  • Inactive individuals are nearly twice as likely to develop heart disease

  • Physical inactivity can worsen high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity

To support heart health, aim for at least 2 hours of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week.

Exercising with Chronic Pain

Many people with chronic pain can safely exercise, and regular movement may actually help manage pain. Inactivity, on the other hand, can lead to worsening pain and reduced function.

Before starting an exercise program, talk to your doctor. Combining various exercise types is often most effective:

  • Endurance

  • Strength

  • Balance

  • Flexibility

Each contributes different health benefits and supports overall mobility and function.

For More Information About Chronic Conditions

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
📞 800-860-8747 (toll-free)
📞 866-569-1162 (TTY)
✉️ healthinfo@niddk.nih.gov
🌐 www.niddk.nih.gov

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
📞 800-352-9424 (toll-free)
✉️ braininfo@ninds.nih.gov
🌐 www.ninds.nih.gov

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
📞 301-592-8573
✉️ nhlbiinfo@nhlbi.nih.gov
🌐 www.nhlbi.nih.gov

Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (ODPHP)
📞 240-453-8280
✉️ odphpinfo@hhs.gov
🌐 https://health.gov

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
📞 877-226-4267 (toll-free)
📞 301-565-2966 (TTY)
✉️ niamsinfo@mail.nih.gov
🌐 www.niams.nih.gov

American Physical Therapy Association
📞 800-999-2782 (toll-free)
✉️ public-relations@apta.org
🌐 www.choosept.com