Exercise plays a key role in everyone's health, even after a frontal lobe head injury, since exercise can improve memory, functioning and mental outlook. Exercises range from cognitive-based to physical activity, all with the intent of restoring circulation and overall functioning to a healthy level. Planning a variety of different exercises and doing them consistently reduces boredom and provides many health benefits. Since severity of injuries vary, consult with your doctor prior to starting any new exercise program.
To Improve Memory
Individuals affected by frontal lobe head injuries may experience memory issues such as not remembering what exercises to do or which were done. Organization can be another concern after having a frontal lobe head injury. Keeping an exercise journal not only keeps track of exercise routines, but can be used as a cognitive exercise. Writing down activities helps improve memory. Start a journal by writing down what exercise you performed, what time of day, the duration and how you felt after the exercise. Keeping track of your emotions can help gauge your workout success. Write down on a calendar what dates and what type of exercise you want to perform. Another alternative for remembering your exercises involves writing down exercise steps on index cards and carrying these cards with you to your workout routine.
With Variety
You can improve the likelihood of sticking with your exercises after frontal lobe head injuries by having a number of activities available. Choosing enjoyable activities reduces boredom while providing more of a challenge by stimulating the cognitive processing mechanism. Bicycle on one day, bowl on the next day and then go for a brisk walk on the following day. Exercising with a friend offers another way to reduce boredom and improve your consistency. Joining exercise classes can add variety and add more socialization to your life.
Walking
Walking provides one of the best ways for anyone to get back into exercising. As an aerobic, low-impact workout, walking offers the most convenient, simplest and affordable way to increase physical activity after frontal lobe head injuries. Start walking at a comfortable pace for five minutes. As you become stronger, gradually increase your pace and duration until you walk at a moderately-brisk rate for at least 30 minutes, five or more days weekly. A moderately-brisk level involves raising your heart rate without losing the ability to carry on a conversation. Remember to wear well-fitted, comfortable walking shoes to avoid injury. Walk with friends for added support. Join a walking group or walk indoors at a local mall to get your exercise.
In Water
Water-based exercise can increase lung and heart capacity while providing a safe atmosphere to exercise. Exercising in water prevents falling, increases joint mobility and lowers pain levels for everyone, due to the natural buoyancy properties. Swimming provides an all-body workout that both stretches and strengthens muscles throughout the body. Get into chest-deep water and swim across the pool's width. Upon reaching the opposite side, relax for one minute. Swim back to your starting position. As you become stronger, swim one length of the pool. Shoot for a goal of swimming for 30 minutes on at least five days weekly to receive the most cardiovascular benefits.
