Summer is just around the corner, making it the ideal time to practice self-care outside!  Individuals on dialysis who have chronic kidney disease should engage in exercises that are both safe and effective for their condition.

1. Walking: Walking is a great low-impact activity that can help improve cardiovascular health and muscle strength.  You can do this anywhere just keep your heart rate up!

2. Cycling: Cycling provides a low-impact cardio workout that can improve overall fitness, leg strength, and balance.

3. Yoga: can help improve flexibility, balance, and relaxation. It can also help reduce stress and anxiety. Yoga can strengthen your spine and stimulates the organs in the abdominal region. Certain poses can stimulate your kidneys and improve your immunity while relieving stress and fatigue.

4. Resistance training: can help improve muscle strength and endurance, which can help with daily activities. Different forms of resistance training includes using free weights, weight machines, resistance bands, and your own body weight. Physical and mental health benefits that can be achieved through resistance training include improved muscle strength and tone – to protect your joints from injury, improving your flexibility and balance, weight management – which is always a great benefit, greater stamina, and more.

5. Water aerobics: Water aerobics can provide a low-impact, full-body workout that can burn calories, improve cardiovascular health, and increase muscle strength. Water aerobics is the performance of aerobic exercise in water, such as in a swimming pool. It is done mostly vertically and without swimming, typically in waist-deep or deeper water.

It’s important to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new exercise program, especially if you have chronic kidney disease. A healthcare provider can help you develop a safe and effective exercise plan that will meet your unique needs and goals.