Are you looking for the challenge of doing a long run? Many people are anxious when they try a distance that they have never run before. Others worry that diabetes will limit the distance they can run. With some planning and a good mindset, you’ll be on the road to success in no time.
Types of exercise
The Canadian recommendations for exercise for people with diabetes include both aerobic (physical activity that increases the heart rate and the body’s use of oxygen) and resistance exercises (e.g. lifting weights).
Aerobic exercise has many health benefits such as improving heart health, helping control blood sugar, and assisting in weight management. Examples include running, swimming, and biking.
Resistance exercise (also known as strength training) helps build muscle and bone, and also plays a role in controlling blood sugar. Resistance exercises may include the use of external resistance force from dumbbells, weight machines or resistance bands. Alternatively the body’s own weight can be used as the force, and can include push-ups, sit-ups and abdominal curls.
Flexibility and balance are important as we age, due to loss of muscle strength and joint flexibility. Incorporating balance and stretching exercises into your physical activity routine can provide many benefits including decreased risk of falls, improved posture and increased overall mobility.
Mixed exercise, which includes combining aerobic and anaerobic workouts (e.g. circuit training), can significantly improve cardiovascular fitness, strength, speed and overall health. It also helps to maintain muscle, and improve bone density, flexibility, balance and agility. One of the biggest benefits is the time that you can save when you combine both types of workouts into one.
Gardening for exercise
Gardening is a great way of keeping fit and getting your yard in shape at the same time.
Warm up cool down exercises
Warming up before exercise and cooling down afterward are essential steps in any fitness routine. These practices help prepare your body for physical activity and support recovery afterward.
10 reasons to do these 10 workday exercises
If you have a desk job, it might seem impossible to do anything but sit all day to get your work done. But even just a few minutes of activity every 30 to 60 minutes can have a positive effect on your health.
Why you should consider doing these 7 stretching exercises
Stretching exercises are especially good for people with diabetes. They help you stay fit, improve joint mobility and lower blood sugars. Here are 7 easy to do stretching exercises.
Balance exercises for people with diabetes
Balance exercises for people with diabetes have a number of benefits, including better posture, increased mobility, and reduced back and joint pain. Read this expert blog to learn more about balance exercises.
