Staying Fit

Staying fit through exercise is important for the rehabilitation of the renal patient.
Below are tips to help bring exercise into your daily life.

• Start slowly and don’t overdo it. Try taking a 10-15 minute walk or brief swim three times a week.
• Choose an activity that you enjoy: gardening, dancing, bowling, ping-pong, shuffle board or leisurely walks.
• Pick a time of the day that makes sense for you. If you’re too tired in the evening, why not start the day with 15 minutes of exercise? Or, if you’re a night owl, exercise while watching the evening news.
• Find a buddy. Walking or exercising with a friend or family member is often more fun than doing it by yourself.
• Stand up while talking on the phone.
• Take a walk to the corner store.
• Play a game of ring toss or horseshoes at your family picnic.
• Take an activity break. Get up, stretch, and walk around your house.
• Walk the dog.
• Do simple stretches while watching TV.
• Toss a ball with your favorite youngster.
• Play your favorite music and dance.
• Fly a kite at your local park or beach.
• Join a mall-walking group. Many malls allow people to walk around before stores open. This is a great way to keep out of the rainy, hot or cold weather.
• Look into exercise classes at your local YMCA or community center. Many offer stretching classes, water aerobics, and many other activities that may interest you.

Remember: Check with your doctor before starting exercise.

• Don’t try to do too much too fast.
• Wear properly fitting shoes and comfortable, loose fitting clothes.
• When exercising outdoors, find soft, even surfaces like a flat park or school track.
• Always be aware of your surroundings.
• Stay cool. Exercising outdoors in the hot weather can cause you to overheat. On hot days, try to find an air-conditioned place to exercise. If you’d rather be outdoors, exercise in the cooler and/or less humid early morning or early evening after the sun has gone down.

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