Fitness/Exercise/Games After Kidney Transplant!

There can be no better way to maintain a healthy lifestyle other than a regular exercise and fitness routine. Sometimes even after surgeries, doctors recommend exercise to the patients for a speedy recovery. A kidney transplant is one such surgery that requires you to follow a strict fitness regime after the operation process.

Importance of Exercise after a Kidney Transplant:

Exercise, as recommended by the doctor, should be an integral part of the lives of kidney transplant patients. The variations of exercise may differ depending on the age and general physical health of the patient. The need for exercise after a transplant is as follows –

• Helps to increase energy levels
• Increases overall physical strength and immunity
• Helps maintain a standard weight as an obese body is very harmful for patients suffering from kidney ailments
• Reduces stress, anxiety and depression
• Prevents after effects of kidney transplant like high blood pressure and cholesterol level
• Helps to strengthen bones
• Helps tone muscles and increases balance and joint flexibility
• Strengthens the heart and overall cardiovascular system
• Helps the patient to sleep better
• Boosts self-image and increases confidence

Types of Exercises that can be done:

• Stretching – Consistent stretching before any exercise helps increase muscle strength. It also prevents muscle strain and injury.
• Aerobic – Aerobic or cardiovascular exercises are generally recommended for younger patients. It includes moderately heavy exercises involving a greater number of muscles. This kind of exercise strengthens the heart and lungs and improves breathing. Aerobic exercises include walking, jogging, jumping rope, bicycling, skating, rowing and water aerobics. However, for most patients, brisk walking or jogging is recommended.
Ideally one should exercise for a minimum period of 20 minutes at least four times a week.

Things to Remember:

• It has been medically proved that patients who exercise regularly following a kidney transplant procedure are more likely to survive healthily for the upcoming 5 years compared to patients who lead a sedentary life.
• However one should not resort to heavy and strenuous exercises immediately after the surgery. It is advisable to start with mild forms of exercise like walking and increase the levels gradually depending on one’s age.
• One should not eat a heavy meal just before exercising.
• It is important to stop for breaks in between exercise. The patient should not over exert himself.
• It is advisable to avoid lifting heavy weights like dumbbells.
• Stop exercising immediately if you experience chest pain, lightheadedness or pressure in chest, neck or arm.
• Consult the doctor for the kinds of exercises you can do depending on your condition.

With a healthy diet and regular exercise, there are fewer chances of reoccurrence of kidney ailments.