Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Diabetes and Exercise

Since diabetes is a chronic condition, exercise alone is just one component of managing the disease. Diet is also critically important, which is why I encourage clients to keep a food journal.

Aim for 20–60 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise 3–4 days per week. (Walking and non-weight-bearing activities, such as water aerobics and cycling, are good choices.) However, I highly recommend daily exercise. Slowly warm up your muscles for at least five to seven minutes before aerobic exercise.

Perform Resistance training. Follow a lower-resistance, lower-intensity program with at least one set of exercises for the major muscle groups, with 10–15 repetitions, 2-3 days per week.


Stretching. After each workout, stretch the major muscle groups to the point of tightness (not pain) for about 15-30 seconds, 2–4 times per stretch.

Never bounce when stretching, which can cause you to pull a muscle.
 

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