For people living with chronic kidney disease (CKD) that haven’t considered exercise, the National Kidney Foundation explains that it is safe and healthy to stay active, which can enhance your energy levels and mobility and improve your overall health and wellness.*

What exercising can do for you

Physical activity has a multitude of benefits, including:

• improved strength;
• better physical function;
• sounder sleep;
• lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels; and
• easier weight control.

These benefits will allow you to do the things you have to do while still having the stamina and strength to do what you want to do—and with less chance of injury.

Points to remember

• Talk to your doctor: People with CKD should consult their doctor before beginning to exercise. The doctor will clear you for exercise and recommend a suitable program based on your age, disease stage, and current activity level.
• Pick a healthy activity: You and your doctor can select an appropriate activity to benefit your health, such as jogging, hiking, swimming, biking, or climbing stairs. Gardening or housework may also be beneficial.
• Go with what feels good: Select an exercise that is enjoyable so you will stick with it. Maybe it’s dancing, mowing the lawn, or taking a brisk walk outdoors. Getting out in nature for your physical activity may be enjoyable, useful, and good for your health. Any exercise can improve blood pressure control, cholesterol and triglyceride profiles, and mental health.
• Start slow: Add exercise gradually into your schedule. Begin with 15 minutes of physical activity a day and slowly increase to 30 minutes or even an hour. Try to do some form of aerobic exercise as many days as possible, with weight training on two to three alternate days, each week.
• Don’t push too hard: The intensity with which you exercise should be comfortable for you. Generally, you should be able to talk while exercising. If you feel very tired or breathless or have chest pains or any other undue discomfort, stop.
• Stay consistent: Remember that exercise can help you to maintain a healthy weight, build self-confidence, and improve your sleep. Activity that raises your heart rate and makes you breathe more deeply, like walking or aerobic exercise, can reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease. Light resistance training and weight training can increase strength and maintain physical functionality and independence.
• Form a healthy habit: To help make exercise a habit, try to find a workout buddy or a group exercise class to hold you accountable and support you. It can also help to keep a journal of your progress. Remember to stay patient and positive!

*National Kidney Foundation. (2019, June 25). Staying Fit With Kidney Disease.