A diagnosis of HIV can be devastating. The social, financial and emotional consequences that come along with HIV can make coping difficult, according to MayoClinic.com. Unfortunately, there is no cure for HIV. Exercise cannot be used to fight or control a diagnosis of HIV. However, exercise can help you to cope with a diagnosis of HIV. It can help to make you feel better and fight the side effects associated with the disease and its required medications.
HIV
HIV is also known as human immunodeficiency virus. HIV is a sexually transmitted disease that can be spread during pregnancy or by contact with infected blood, according to MayoClinic.com. HIV damages the body's immune system. A damaged immune system makes it more difficult for your body to fight off disease-causing organisms. Eventually, HIV turns into the AIDS virus. There is no known cure for HIV or the AIDS virus. Medication can drastically slow the progression of the disease as well as deaths related to the disease.
Advantages of Exercise
Regular exercise can provide many benefits to those living with HIV, according to AIDS InfoNet, a site founded by doctors across the country who are researching the AIDS/HIV diseases. Exercise can improve your muscle mass as well as your strength and endurance. Exercise can also help to strengthen your heart, lungs and bones. Regular exercise can aid in reducing stress and improving your energy levels. Weight control, decreased cholesterol and better control over blood sugar are also advantages of exercising with HIV. Exercise can also help to stabilize your cell counts as well as improve your sleeping and eating habits. Overall, exercise can help improve your sense of well-being.
Types of Exercise
Resistance training and aerobic exercise are beneficial to those dealing with HIV, according to the University of California at San Fransisco. Resistance training can be used to help offset the muscle loss that is frequently associated with HIV. Resistance training involves the exertion of force as you move weighted objects. Barbells, dumbbells, resistance bands and weighted machines can all be used in resistance training. Aerobic exercise can help to strengthen your heart and lungs. The University of California recommends walking, jogging, running, swimming, cycling and hiking. To achieve the maximum benefits of aerobic exercise, you should exercise five days a week for 20 minutes at a time.
Risks
As with any exercise program, consult your doctor before beginning exercise with HIV. Exercising can often lead to dehydration if you do not drink enough liquids while exercising. With HIV, injuries can take longer to heal. Be sure you do not over-exercise or perform exercises incorrectly, which can lead to overuse or traumatic injuries. Exercising too much can also cause you to lose lean muscle mass, according to AIDS InfoNet. Never exercise if you are feeling sick or have a cold.
