Exercising with a Medical Condition Can Improve Your Life

Don't assume you can't exercise just because you have a medical condition! When I perform a fitness assessment on clients, medical conditions often become a consideration as I design that client's exercise program. Sometimes, the client will need to get medical clearance before we can begin the exercise program. In this article series, I will discuss various medical conditions and how the right exercise program can improve the lives of those with these medical conditions.

Diabetes is a growing problem in America. About 6-10 percent of the population has diabetes with about 1 million new cases every year! This number is expected to double in the next 20 years! Diabetes is also the seventh leading cause of death in the United States! Research has also shown that people who develop diabetes before age 30 are twenty times more likely to die by age 40. Whew! And, America's sedentary lifestyle isn't helping the problem.

Diabetes is a metabolic disorder caused by insulin deficiency which impairs glucose usage. There are two forms of diabetes:

Type 1 - It is usually found in normal or underweight younger people. Type 1 diabetics usually inject insulin so that blood sugar can be delivered to the body's cells. Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) levels can lead to dizziness, weakness and fainting. It is disturbing that more cases are happening where young people are beginning to have Type 2 diabetes also (due to obesity and lack of exercise)!

Type 2 - This type of diabetes is associated with obesity, especially abdominal obesity. Type 2 diabetics usually produce enough insulin but their cells are insulin resistant. This can result in hyperglycemia (high blood sugar). If left uncorrected, it leads to kidney, heart, eye and nerve damage.

So, where does exercise fit in with diabetics? As a personal trainer, I'm trying to help the client avoid hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia during and after exercise. As a diabetic, you should keep a snack on hand for a quick source of carbohydrates to avoid hypoglycemia.

Other exercise considerations for diabetics:

1) Glucose levels should be measured before, during and after exercise (especially for those newly diagnosed).

2) Quality footwear is important and the feet should be checked often for blisters.

3) Post-exercise carbohydrate consumption is advisable.

4) The diabetic can do resistance training. The workload should be monitored carefully.

5) Low impact aerobics work well for diabetics.

6) Exercise can have an insulin-like affect on the body (i.e., exercise-induced hypoglycemia).

If you have diabetes, the key is to keep it under control. Doing so will allow you to lead a normal life.

Hypertension cases are flooding the doctors offices! Fortunately, this condition can be reversed with good nutrition and exercise! Your blood pressure is highest when your heart beats (pumping the blood). This is called systolic pressure (top number). When your heart is at rest or between beats, your blood pressure falls. This is the diastolic pressure (bottom number).

--120/80 or lower is normal blood pressure
--140/90 or higher is high blood pressure (hypertension)

An example of pre-hypertension would be a reading of 130/85. (source: Medline Plus)

As a personal trainer, I must consider a client as hypertensive if the client is taking medication to control high blood pressure.

High blood pressure usually has no symptoms, but it can cause serious problems such as stroke, heart failure, heart attack and kidney failure. You can control high blood pressure through exercise, healthy eating and medication (if needed). I have seen cases where exercise and healthy eating made medication unnecessary after a period of time.

If you have hypertension, you can follow a pretty regular exercise routine. But, you do need to take some precautions:

1) Do your resistance exercises in a seated or standing position to avoid dizziness.

2) Breathe during exercises! This seems like a no-brainer, but I constantly remind clients to breathe properly!

3) If you are feeling light-headed, etc. before a workout, it is safe to check your blood pressure.

4) Don't over-grip when lifting weights and do not clench your fists while running or exercising.

5) Progress the intensity of your cardio exercise when clearance from your doctor is given.

6) Always pay attention to "your heart-rate response" to certain exercises. Every one is unique and there is no one-size-fits-all formula for exercise.

Remember, fitness is a lifestyle choice and should be a permanent commitment for you. Don't rush the results when your health is at stake!

According to an analysis published in 2004 and based on the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III), over 70 percent of women ages 51-70 and nearly 90 percent of women over 70 are not getting the recommended adequate intake of vitamin D.

Vitamin D is very important for overall bone health. Vitamin D also helps ensure that the body absorbs and retains calcium, which is critical for building strong, healthy bones. Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to osteoporosis, which affects millions. Osteopenia (lowered bone mass), which is a precursor to osteoporosis can be detected with proper screening.

The best treatment for bone health should be personalized to your needs and should include a combination of exercise (weight training and cardio), a healthy diet, vitamin D and calcium supplements, and prescription medication if needed. Exercises with excessive spinal loading (such as heavy squats) should be avoided if you have osteoporosis.

Exercises like squats, lunges, bench press, biceps curls, leg curls, etc. can be done with little or no weight. Note to bikers and swimmers---you also need to do weight-bearing exercises because biking and swimming does not place enough stress on the bones to allow sufficient regeneration and increased density.

Talk to your physician and work with a professional trainer to tailor your workouts.

Mark Dilworth, BA, PES, CPT is a Certified Personal Trainer and former NCAA Division I athlete. Mark’s Fat Blaster Athletic Training System has been proven to give his clients the fit, sculpted and athletic-type bodies they want. Visit Mark’s sites:

My Fitness Hut http://myfitnesshut.blogspot.com

Her Fitness Hut http://herfitnesshut.com 

Sports Fitness Hut http://sportsfitnesshut.blogspot.com