Keeping active
We all know the benefits of regular exercise. It can keep you healthy and improve your quality of life.1 But worrying about pain or dehydration while exercising might mean you avoid it. And it can be frustrating if this means you don’t feel able to join in with activities your friends, family or colleagues are doing. But there’s lots of ways to get active – you just have to find something you enjoy!
Keep talking to your healthcare team about keeping active. They will know what support you need to get started or carry on safely with your chosen activity.
Some people find that aerobic exercise (activity that raises your heart rate) and relaxation can help reduce the pain they feel and improve how they feel on a day-to-day basis.1,3 Exercise can also improve blood flow to your muscles, which is particularly helpful for people with sickle cell disease.4
If you’re not sure where to start, check out our Community page for local support groups that could help you find an activity to get involved in. It’s not just about the type of activity but finding the right level of exercise for you.1,2 So keep going until you find what works for you.
Tips to remember when exercising
BUILD UP SLOWLY
Gradually build up the exercise you’re doing so your body has a chance to get used to it. Remember to take it easy if you’ve not been well recently or haven’t exercised for a while.1
DRINK PLENTY OF WATER
It’s really important that you drink plenty of water before, during and after exercise, so fill up that water bottle and use it!1,2
OVERCOME THAT LOW ENERGY FEELING
You may find that you experience low energy as one of the symptoms of your sickle cell disease. This might make you feel less like doing some exercise. But it might be worth giving it a go because exercise can make you feel better.1,3 But always talk to your healthcare team if you’re lacking energy so you can discuss what is the best way forward for you.
DON’T OVERDO IT
Balance how you’re currently feeling with your wish to get active by choosing a level of exercise that’s right for you. There are lots of options and what you choose is up to you!1
Whether you’re looking for something low intensity or high intensity, you can talk to your healthcare team for ideas and advice. If you’re looking for ideas, you could also chat to other people you know with sickle cell disease to find out what they do.
AVOID TEMPERATURES THAT ARE TOO HOT OR COLD
In general, people with sickle cell disease are advised to avoid exercising in hot or very cold weather or over-heating during high-intensity exercise, as this could make some of your symptoms worse.1,2
There are lots of benefits that come from exercising. It’s not just about staying fit, it can also give your mood a boost, increase your self-esteem and be a great way to meet new people. This can all be really helpful if your sickle cell disease is affecting your emotional wellbeing.
Enjoy it!
When it comes to getting active, it’s all about finding the right balance between which exercise is helpful for you and what might have an effect on your symptoms. Use what feels good as a guide and remember to keep talking to your healthcare team about what’s right for you.
I take them to do a lot of activities, to the gym, just to keep them going – distracting them with different activities so they don’t dwell on their illness.
- Top tips for self-management
- Your wellness journal
- Setting goals that work for you
- Getting the most out of your healthcare appointments
