People with acquired immune deficiency syndrome, or AIDS, often suffer depression, as well as reduced muscle mass and fatigue. While a cure for AIDS remains undiscovered, the American Council on Exercise recommends bicycling and other forms of exercise as a method to boost your mood and improve your overall quality of living during treatment. Recognize the way bicycling can benefit your life and obtain your doctor's permission before any physical activity.
Understanding AIDS
A strong immune system protects your body from illness and helps to ensure your overall well-being. People who acquire the human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV, live with weakened immune systems and will likely suffer the potentially fatal AIDS, although the disease may take years to develop. While anyone can acquire HIV, your risk is highest when you engage in unprotected sexual contact, have a sexually transmitted disease or use intravenous drugs. A search for an AIDS cure continues, but medications prescribed by your doctor can significantly slow the effects of the disease and extend your life.
Bicycling Benefits
Although an AIDS diagnosis is often devastating, regular bike rides may improve your overall quality of living, delay physical deterioration and help you feel better as a complement to your medication. Bicycling represents an aerobic activity that strengthens your heart function and improves blood flow throughout your body. Regular rides also improve your mobility and enhance your mood by triggering the release of natural painkillers, or endorphins. Ask your doctor if riding a regular bicycle is safe for your overall condition or if a stationary bike may be better. Doctors often recommend bicycling to patients who have reduced physical capacity and are unable to walk for extended periods of time. Bike riding also places less stress on your back and lower body than many aerobic activities, including walking and jogging.
Planning Your Rides
A safe plan for aerobic bicycling with AIDS begins in moderation. Aim to ride or pedal slowly for periods of 20 minutes on three days each week. Add to the time of your workouts once your body feels comfortable and consider biking up to 30 minutes on four days weekly with your doctor's approval. People with AIDS often tire easily, so know your limits and avoid riding your bike so far that you don't have the energy to get back home.
Exercise Considerations
While bicycling is a healthy aerobic activity for people with AIDS, a reduced weightlifting regimen may also be beneficial to build strength. Ask your doctor if lifting --- even with household objects like books or soup cans --- is appropriate. Aim to perform up to two exercises for each part of your body twice weekly. Start with a smaller weight or object that allows you to lift around 10 times, relax for 90 seconds and then perform another 10 repetitions. Plan to rest your muscles for at least 48 hours after lifting and never exercise when sick.
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