The benefits of keeping active
As you are already aware, regular exercise and sport are good for you and have lots of benefits. Regular exercise can improve your quality of life.1 Nevertheless, you might be avoiding sport because you are afraid of experiencing pain or dehydration.1 However, this can become frustrating for you over time, as it means you are unable to or do not feel able to take part in activities with family and friends or colleagues. The good news is that you can – and even should – be active in spite of your disease.1,2 Exercise in moderation is definitely better than no exercise.1 What is important is that you pick an activity that you enjoy and that does not overload your body. This also sometimes presents the opportunity to discover something new and meet like-minded people.
Talking to your treatment team is the best way to find out which sports and physical activities would be suitable for you.
Some people with sickle cell disease find that "aerobic" exercise, i.e., exercise that increases your heart rate, combined with relaxation exercises help them to relieve their pain and improve their daily wellbeing.3,4 For people with sickle cell disease, it is important that enough blood is supplied to the muscles, and exercise is a good way to achieve this.3
If you are unsure which sport is most suitable for you, get in touch with other people with the disease to ask about their experiences. The following link will take you to our Community page, where you can find patient groups in your area. Getting the right amount of exercise is more important than which type of exercise you choose to do.1 As is so often the case in life, it is ultimately about giving things a try until you find an activity that does you good.
Tips for exercising with sickle cell disease
DRINKING WATER
It is important that you drink plenty of water before, during and after exercise.5,6 We recommend that you take a large water bottle with you when exercising and that you refill it regularly.
REGAIN YOUR MOTIVATION
Your sickle cell disease may leave you feeling unmotivated.5,6 Sometimes, this can mean that you don't feel much like exercising – but at these times, a little exercise can be just what you need.1,2 On these days, do what works for you and make sure you don't wear yourself out.1 You can return to your usual exercise routine once your energy levels are a little higher again.1
Patient quote:
"Sports are an option, but there may be restrictions. Everyone should be aware of their own limits."
DON'T PUSH TOO HARD TOO SOON
Give yourself time and build up your exercise gradually to help your body get used to the new exertion.1 Don't push yourself too hard! Choose a level of exercise that is appropriate for your current fitness.1,5 Give yourself plenty of breaks, particularly if you have not been feeling too good recently or you have not done any exercise for a while. And take a break from exercise if you are feeling unwell.
How exercise affects your mood
Regular exercise and sport have a huge number of benefits. You will feel fitter and more self-confident, your mood will improve, and, if you're lucky, you might even make some new friends. In this way, exercise and sport can also help you if you are feeling the emotional impact of your disease. On this page, you will find more options to help with your mental health: Sickle cell disease affects your mental health
Take pleasure in exercise
It's about finding the right balance so that you can make sport or exercise a permanent fixture in your everyday life.1 The right amount of fun is just as important as choosing an activity that is appropriate for your condition. You know best what feels good for you.
"I take her to the gym with me on a regular basis. It's a good distraction and means that she's not just thinking about her disease constantly."
- Top tips for self-management
- Your wellbeing diary
- Set targets that work for you
- Get the most out of your medical appointments
