Exercise & HIV

Exercise is one of the 4 main keys to living with HIV . the other 3 are getting plenty of sleep, eating well and keeping your stress levels down. And really, this is the recipe for living well even for people without HIV.

However most people cringe at the thought of exercise especially if they haven't done it before. But once you get into it, you may actually feel good about it and find that it's not hard to do. This is because exercise gives you energy and sense of well being. So be a sport and give it a try. And as always, talk to your doctor about what you can and cannot do.


Frequently asked questions answered

What types of exercises are there?

We've given a simple guide to what you can do.

Build those muscles. This is important for people with HIV as they tend to lose muscle mass.

What kind of exercises can I do?

The most common is weight lifting with dumb-bells or machines, yoga, tai-chi to name a few.

How often should I do this?

Ideally 3-4 times a week, every other day. However before you start on any exercise program, talk to your doctor about it. He/she will be able to advise you about how heavy or light your weights should be, how many times you should life them etc. There are a lot of things to take into account depending on your state of health.

Must I join a gym?

You don’t have to. You can do it at home by using simple alternatives for weights like soup cans, mineral water bottles etc.


Exercise should be pleasure not pain

There exercises include walking, running, swimming laps, cycling, aerobic dance and others. Choose an activity that you enjoy so it won't be a chore.





Stretch, Stretch, Stretch

Exercises that fall into this category are yoga, tai-chi and basic stretches. Remember, stretch only after you've warmed up your body and muscles or you may risk injuring them.

Or you can do this simple balancing exercise illustrated here with proper guidance.

Stand in the middle of the room with feet together and hands by your sides and close your eyes.

Tips

• Commit yourself to the exercise program. Many start and give up. You can do this by getting some friends to join you.
• Safety is important. learn the techniques before you start. If not, you may risk injury which may prevent you from exercising in the future.
• Keep your goals simple. Do 5-10 minutes a day and work up to longer periods. Don't overstrain.
• Listen to your body. If your body is feeling tired while you're exercising, STOP.

Most importantly, talk to your doctor before you start anything. He knows what's best for you.