Many diabetics, especially people diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, believe their condition limits their physical activity so much they are unable to take part in any exercise program.
In some cases, it is true a diabetic may not be able to do even the simplest of low-impact exercises.
But that doesn't mean they should give up or wait in the hopes they will one day be able to follow a normal exercise regimen.
There are other options available.
More than 50 percent of all people diagnosed with diabetes exercise less than once a week, and 56 percent of all diabetes-related deaths are due to heart attacks.
What dreadful news, considering how beneficial and life-extending exercise is for people with diabetes, be it Type 1 or Type 2.
If you have been sedentary for much of your life, why not start off with some simple activities, even gardening, feeding the birds in the park, or how about water aerobics? Water aerobics allows a person to get the same benefits as regular aerobic workouts, but with many advantages.
It is true there is no single exercise perfect for everyone, but water aerobics comes close as it can conform to individual needs, restrictions, and abilities.
Water aerobics are an excellent workout for many reasons...
First, the water takes much of the stress off of your joints and muscles ...
in some cases almost half.
This frees you up to accomplish more than you would if you were fighting gravity full-force.
Second, the buoyancy allows you to rest when you need to without having to find a chair to sit down in.
This means a much greater likelihood you will resume exercising.
Third, water aerobics offers natural resistance.
It might not feel like much is happening in the beginning, but working out in water offers you a lot of benefits.
You'll be surprised how quickly you tire.
Before getting physical...
1.
As with any new routine, you need to discuss your exercise plan with your doctor first.
He will tell you if it is okay to start a new routine.
He can also advise you as to what you need to do and how intensely to start out.
2.
Once you have the go ahead, find a location offering water aerobic classes.
Don't just jump into a pool and start splashing.
You need supervision and instruction from someone who knows what will benefit you the most.
This will prevent you from tiring yourself out too quickly or risking hypoglycemia.
3.
You also want someone who is trained on what to look out for in exhaustion and over-exertion.
Going past your limits is dangerous enough in water, but when you add diabetes to the mix, it's even more serious.
This is another reason why you are not advised to do water aerobics by yourself.
Water aerobics are also beneficial for those who have limitations due to injury or surgery.
This form of aerobics offers exercise and rehabilitation simultaneously.
That's why physical therapy units in hospitals often utilize pools for their workouts.
Even after your health improves and you begin to lose weight, you can still use water aerobics for a workout.
In fact, you can even alternate aerobics with swimming.
Both are excellent forms of exercise and both offer tremendous results for people diagnosed with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes.