A low blood cell count can refer to three different components in your blood. According to MayoClinic.com, when doctors check your blood cell count they look for white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets. All have different jobs in transporting and supplying blood in the body. Generally, it's safe to exercise with low blood counts, but avoid certain activities.
Exercising With a Low White Blood Cell Count
According to MayoClinic.com, white blood cells help your body fight infection, and a low count can make you more susceptible to infections or illnesses. The Mayo Clinic notes that a normal white blood cell count is in the range of 5,000 to 10,000, with any less than 5,000 considered below normal. Exercise can help you deal with a low white blood cell count. The Breast Care Site says you should get moderate-intensity exercise when you feel well enough. Moderate-intensity exercise means that you raise your heart rate but can talk while you exercise. Activities such as power walking, jogging or riding a stationary bicycle qualify as moderate intensity. The Breast Care Site says that any activity that helps your immune system is more important when you're undergoing treatment for a low white blood cell count.
Exercising with a Low Red Blood Cell Count
A low red blood cell count, also known as anemia, can leave you tired and sap your energy. According to Dr. Carol Otis of the Sports Doctor, an adequate supply of red blood cells is vital to your ability to perform physical activity. A shortage or having a low red blood cell count can leave you tired, weak and unable to finish exercise or sports. According to Otis, getting an adequate amount of iron in the diet is the best way to prevent a low red blood cell count.
Exercising with a Low Platelet Count
According to the Mayo Clinic, platelets help your blood clot, and a low platelet count means your body will struggle or be unable to stop itself from bleeding. Platelet counts should range from 150,000 to 450,000, with anything below 20,000 a cause for serious concern. Exercising with a low platelet count is beneficial as long as you avoid contact activities that could lead to bleeding or bruising. The Mayo Clinic advises avoiding activities such as boxing, football, downhill skiing and riding horses.
Exercising with a Low Hemoglobin Count
According to Chemo Care.com, a low hemoglobin count can be tied in with a low red blood cell count. This condition can leave you tired, weak, dizzy, short of breath and give you an increased heart rate. According to the Mayo Clinic, your hemoglobin counts should range from 14.5 to 18 for men and from 12 to 16 for women, with any reading below 10 being cause for serious concern. If you have a low hemoglobin count, Chemo Care says to avoid activities that make you short of breath or activities that make your heartbeat race. Lower-impact exercising such as walking, lifting light weights and aquatic exercise can help keep you safe when you work out with a low hemoglobin count.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Cancer: Low blood cell counts: Side effect of cancer treatment
- Breast Care Site.com: Recognizing the Symptoms of Low White Blood Counts
- Sports Doctor.com: Exercise and Anemia: When Tired Blood Slows You Down
- Mayo Clinic: Thrombocytopenia (Low Platelet Count)
- Chemo Care.com: Low Blood Counts
