Keeping Fit
Together with eating a well-balanced diet, doing regular exercise, at a level and pace that suits you, is part of a healthy lifestyle.
If you do not already have an active lifestyle, below are some reasons why you should keep active and tips to help you increase your level of physical activity.
Living with acrogamaly
Information about the emotional, physical and social challenges of living with acromegaly
If you are already quite physically active and regularly run or go to the gym a few times a week, then keep it up.
Just remember to give yourself time to recover between exercise sessions, if you do not already do so, by exercising every other day or alternating the exercises and activities that you undertake.
Of course, there may be days where you do not feel like exercising, or perhaps your acromegaly causes joint pain that makes exercises difficult or just not possible for you. If this is the case, talk to your doctor as perhaps he or she can suggest medication or gentle exercises that you can do.
Please also talk to your doctor or another healthcare provider before undertaking any new exercise plan or if you’d like advice on what exercises you should be doing.
Why should I exercise?
Physical activity can have a number of benefits:
- Improved energy levels and less fatigue
- Improved sleep
- Strengthened muscles and lessened joint pain
- Improved mood and general well-being
- Reduced risk for heart and other health problems
What exercises should I do?
Find a physical activity that you will enjoy and will be likely to do on a regular basis. If you are new to exercising or do not want to go to the gym, try some of the activities suggested below to get you moving.
- Gardening
- Playing golf
- Cycling
- Walking with friends
- Walking the dog
Start an exercise program to suit you
- Begin with light exercises, such as walking, swimming or cycling
- Start slowly and go at your own pace
- Gradually increase the amount of time you exercise
- Slowly increase the difficulty of exercise
- Stop and rest if you feel sore, stiff or out of breath
- If 30 minutes of activity is too much at first, split it up into shorter 5- to 10-minute sessions
- Find a group activity with people of a similar age group or similar level of fitness
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Find the support you need
Practical tips and tools
Read practical tips to help make your life with acromegaly easier, including tips from others living with the condition.
Support groups
Find an acromegaly patient support group in your country to learn about local activities and events that you may be able to attend.
Learn about acromegaly
Learn about acromegaly, including what causes this slowly evolving condition, and the early symptoms and signs.
