Exercising while on dialysis
Exercising regularly is important for staying fit and mentally healthy throughout your treatment journey.
Staying active while on dialysis has a variety of physical and psychological benefits. Regular exercise may improve your self-esteem, keep you mentally and physically stimulated and give you new opportunities for social interaction. Exercise may also make you feel “more like yourself” and help you regain your physical and emotional ability to do the activities you did before your diagnosis.
Before you start any physical activity, talk to your clinician about what options are best for you.
Benefits of exercising while on dialysis
Physical activity is essential for maintaining a healthy lifestyle, whether or not you are on dialysis. Exercise, in combination with a kidney-friendly diet, can help you maintain a healthy weight, strengthen your muscles and maintain a clear head and positive mindset. Regular physical activity is especially important for helping to keep your heart healthy. This is very important when you have chronic kidney disease (CKD), which puts you at increased risk for developing heart disease.
What exercise can dialysis patients do?
When you are on dialysis, there are many types of physical activity you can enjoy. Exercising on dialysis may be as simple as taking regular walks. However, if you are able to do other activities, your clinician can recommend a number of different exercises that dialysis patients can do.
Things to note while exercising on dialysis
Some dialysis patients have other medical issues that may affect their ability to exercise regularly. Diabetes and heart disease are two of the most common. If you have these conditions, you should consult with your doctor before starting to exercise, and then start your exercise plan slowly, increasing the intensity and length of your activities over time.
Fluid intake and exercise
Keeping the fluids in your body balanced is extremely important when you are on dialysis. Be aware that your body will lose more fluid than usual when exercising. You should talk to your clinician about whether and how to change the amount of fluid you drink while you are exercising in order to ensure that you stay hydrated and avoid fluid imbalance.
Dialysis patients frequently have water and other fluid restrictions, so be sure to discuss this with your clinician or nurse.
How to live well with dialysis?
Travelling on dialysis
It may still be possible for you to travel while you’re being treated for chronic kidney disease (CKD). Learn more about travelling on dialysis.
Talking about dialysis
The support and advice of your loved ones may help you gain a new and valuable perspective on what you are experiencing. Learn more about talking about your condition.
Mental health and kidney disease
Sharing your emotions is essential to preserve your mental and physical health while living with dialysis. Learn more about mental health and kidney disease.