Guest guest Posted May 13, 2004 Report Share Posted May 13, 2004 Welcome to the group. You should be able to exercise, though maybe not to the same extent as if you didn't have kidney failure. In fact, it's encouraged. You will probably be limited by your endurance before this happens, but very intensive, endurance type exercise can cause potassium levels to go up. Other than that, no problem. There are even some dialysis centres that are experimenting with letting patients dialyze while riding an exercycle. Aerobic-type exercise (cycling, walking, swimming, etc.), 20-30 minutes a day, is recommended, as it helps keep your cardiovascular risk as low as possible. Now, as far as a Bowflex goes, there will be a limitation if you're on hemodialysis and you have a fistula. You won't be able to pump iron with that arm, simply because it can make the fistula grow too large. If you do peritoneal dialysis, heavy lifting will not be a good idea because it stresses the abdominal muscles. A limited amount can be done if there is no peritoneal fluid in the abdomen, but that's something only your doctor will be able to advise on. So, I'm not sure I would spend a lot of money on that kind of equipment. A good treadmill or a membership in a club that has a pool might be a better idea. Staying in shape will be great when you get a transplant, and you will be able to do just about any kind of exercise then. Pierre P.S. I guarantee you that I ain't riding no exercycle while I'm connected to a dialysis machine - I can tell you that! exercise - dialysis > Hey, > I'm new to the group, and I'm wondering about exercising while on dialysis. I'm not yet on dialysis and hopefully won't be for awhile. When in college I worked out and took care of myself better than I do know. Currently, I'm in my mid 30's and a desk jockey. I'm considering buying a bow flex to try and get in better shape, but don't want to spend that kind of money if I'm not going to be able to use it later on. So, if you're on dialysis please give me an idea of what to expect regarding exercising. Thanks > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 14, 2004 Report Share Posted May 14, 2004 >From what I've observed over the years.. The grand majority of home exercise equipment winds up being stuffed in a dark corner with piles of stuff on it within a few months of purchase. Eventually it makes its way to a garage sale. With expensive exercise equipment, you get to be making payments while it sits in the corner. Invest in some comfortable walking shoes. Head outside and start walking regularly. A 1/2 to 1 hour power walk after supper is a great way to help digestion, burn off some fat, mellow your BP, and keep the cardiologist away. It's easy on your wallet too. exercise - dialysis Hey, I'm new to the group, and I'm wondering about exercising while on dialysis. I'm not yet on dialysis and hopefully won't be for awhile. When in college I worked out and took care of myself better than I do know. Currently, I'm in my mid 30's and a desk jockey. I'm considering buying a bow flex to try and get in better shape, but don't want to spend that kind of money if I'm not going to be able to use it later on. So, if you're on dialysis please give me an idea of what to expect regarding exercising. Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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