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Exercising and AIDS
Should People with HIV Exercise?
Yes! Being HIV-positive is no different from being HIV-negative when it comes to exercise. Regular physical activity and exercise are part of a healthy lifestyle for everyone, including people with HIV.
Physical activity has many important benefits. It can:
- Boost your mood.
- Sharpen your focus.
- Reduce your stress.
- Improve your sleep.
Physical activity can also help you reduce your risk of developing cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and several types of cancer. These are all health conditions that can affect people living with HIV.
According to the evidence-based Physical Activity Guidelines adults need at least 150 to 300 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, like biking, brisk walking, or fast dancing. Adults also need muscle-strengthening activity, like lifting weights or doing push-ups, at least 2 days per week.
People living with HIV can do the same types of physical activity and exercise as individuals who do not have HIV. Physical activity is any body movement that works your muscles and requires more energy than resting. Brisk walking, running, biking, dancing, jumping rope, and swimming are a few examples of physical activity. Exercise is a type of physical activity that's planned and structured with the goal of improving your health or fitness.
Take time to find a fitness routine that you enjoy. You may consider taking part in a group activity that allows you to engage with others. Make it fun and commit to being physically active regularly.
If you’re living with HIV or have another chronic health condition, talk to your healthcare provider or a physical activity specialist to make sure these guidelines are right for you. The most important thing is to move more and sit less!
Exercise cannot control or fight HIV disease, but it may help you feel better and fight many of the side effects of HIV and antiretroviral medications (ARVs). It can also help you live healthier while aging with HIV.
To access the full article on the benefits of exercising with HIV, click here.
In partnership with the YMCA, Hally Health focuses on a variety of topics aimed at people of any age or fitness level who want to stay healthy and active. Try this Couch Workout that’s sure to get your heart pumping. To view all our YMCA partnership fitness videos throughout the month, please visit hally.com or Facebook.com/HallyHealth.