Having to overcome your health conditions

Your behavioural assessment suggests that your health or your health conditions are an issue for you to becoming more active. This is a common issue because of the range of health conditions and the different response to physical activity. Now we can’t sit here and say that physical activity is the best thing to do across the board, each person has to manage their health in their own way. What we want to do is to get you to access the best possible information and support for you to include the right physical activity for you.

As a rule, physical activity is safe across the vast amount of health conditions if done correctly and in fact is encouraged to improve health outcomes in some of them. Some of these health risk reductions are outlined below.

What’s important is that you understand that what we’re talking about is physical activity, this isn’t exercise but focusing on moving more regularly and building up to moving a bit quicker or more vigorously. You should focus on achieving what is possible and increase what you do slowly.

 

However, we can’t just go straight into marathon training if you’ve not been active and have health conditions as there are risks involved. These risks may be making your condition worse, increasing pain or increasing the likelihood of a medical event. This is where medical and exercise professionals can help. At Active Blaby, we have qualified staff to help you increase your activity safely and in a way that will achieve your outcomes, whether that’s improve your health condition or simply to get a bit more active to be healthier to make your everyday life easier and do things you enjoy.

To speak to one of our specialists, you can refer yourself to our services via our online referral form

Different conditions have different issues when it comes to becoming more active, people with arthritis may want to avoid activities that put load through their joints whilst people with heart conditions may be wary of activities that raises the heart rate too much. However, there’s no medical reasons for people with these conditions not to be more active, we just have to consider these risks when deciding what activities we are going to do. There are plenty of resources and services to support condition-specific activity, some of them are found below;

British Heart foundation logo

Exercising After a Heart Event

Exercising after a heart attack or surgery may seem like a daunting prospect, but for most people it’s one of the best things you can do to help you get your fitness back and reduce your risk of further heart problems.

Follow link to "Exercising After a Heart Event"

Exercise class with women

Exercising with a Lung Condition

If you have a lung condition, being active can help to improve your quality of life and help you manage your condition. There are many different ways to be active. You can increase everyday activities like walking or gardening, join an exercise class, take part in a pulmonary rehabilitation course, or take up sports and activities like yoga, dancing and tai chi

Follow link to "Exercising with a Lung Condition"

Versus Arthritis logo

Exercising With Arthritis

It can be hard to keep moving when you have arthritis but staying as active as possible can reduce your pain and the symptoms of your condition, and help you to stay independent.

Follow link to "Exercising With Arthritis"

Macmillian logo

Exercising with Cancer

This booklet is for anyone who has cancer or has had treatment for cancer and is thinking about becoming more physically active. There is also information for carers, family members and friends. The booklet explains what physical activity is, its benefits and how to be safe when exercising. It also includes information about the types of activity you can do and how to get started.

Follow link to "Exercising with Cancer"

Mind logo

Physical Activity and your Mental Health

Information about how physical activity can help your mental health, and tips for choosing an activity that works for you, and how to overcome anything that might stop you from becoming more active.

Follow link to "Physical Activity and your Mental Health"

We Are Undefeatable Logo

We Are Undefeatable

When you’re managing a long term health condition, being active is about finding what works for you. Want help with starting to move more? We’re here to help. Click through for ideas and resources to help you start your journey to being active.

Follow link to "We Are Undefeatable"

Some general activities that you can look at starting if you are looking to get more active are walking, low impact activities such as bowls or Tai Chi or if you can do something a bit more, perhaps jogging or dancing. You can search for local activities using our directory, if you select low impact, low intensity and/or inclusive activities when asked about the type of activity you would like to do, these should be most suitable for you to start with. You can access the directory by clicking the link below.

Directory

Below are some links that may help you get started in your own time in your own way.

NHS couch to 5k programme

NHS – Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K is a running plan for absolute beginners. Taking up running can seem like a scary prospect, especially if you feel out of shape or unfit. NHS Couch to 5K will help you gradually work up towards running 5km in just 9 weeks.

Follow link to "NHS – Couch to 5K"

Active 10 App to track physical activity

NHS Active 10

The Active 10 app records every minute of walking you do (anonymously). Just pop your phone in your pocket and away you go! The app tracks your steps, helps you set goals, shows you your achievements and gives you tips to boost your activity. Did you know walking briskly, even for 1 minute, counts as exercise? What are you waiting for - take your first steps today!

Follow link to "NHS Active 10"

Senior couple walking

Walking

Walking is a simple, free and one of the easiest ways to get more active, lose weight and become healthier

Read more about "Walking"

Bicycles

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