Chronic diseases are common word-wide, and as in-home and virtual personal trainers, it’s our responsibility to promote exercise as a tool for preventing and managing them.

“Exercise interventions have been associated with an 80% reduction in cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, 90% reduction in type 2 diabetes risk, 33% reduction in cancer risk, and 17% reduction in all-cause mortality. Depression and anxiety symptoms also are improved with daily exercise” (ACSM, 2021). With the guidance of a knowledgeable in-home or virtual personal trainer, these benefits become even more accessible. Read on to learn how fitness can combat these health risks in the long term.

Ways Exercise Can Help Manage Your Chronic Condition

CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE

Cardiovascular disease is the first issue that comes to mind when dealing with chronic disease. CVD is a group of disorders that affects the heart and blood vessels. Some common types include coronary artery disease (blockages in the arteries), heart attack, stroke, heart failure, arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats), and hypertension (high blood pressure). These conditions are the number one cause of death globally. However, exercise strengthens the heart, improves circulation, and helps maintain healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels, all of which help to combat CVD.

DIABETES

Exercise plays a role in preventing diabetes by improving the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar levels. When you engage in physical activity, your muscles use glucose for energy, which helps lower blood sugar while reducing the demand on insulin production. Over time, this increases insulin sensitivity, allowing your body to use insulin more effectively and reducing the risk of insulin resistance: a key factor in type 2 diabetes. Additionally, exercise helps manage weight, which is a major risk factor for developing diabetes. Studies show that “people with diabetes who [walk] at least two hours a week [are] less likely to die of heart disease than their sedentary counter-parts, and those who [exercise] three to four hours a week cut their risk even more” (Harvard Health, 2023).

RHEUMATOLOGY

Exercise reduces your risk of developing chronic conditions like osteoarthritis and arthritis by strengthening the muscles and tendons that support joint health, as well as your bones. Regular moderate-intensity exercise also reduces your risk of fragility fractures associated with these conditions, as the body becomes more resilient.

DEPRESSION & ANXIETY

Exercise stimulates the production of endorphins and serotonin while reducing cortisol (the body’s stress hormone), helping to improve your energy and mood. Setting and achieving fitness goals, no matter how small, can also create a sense of accomplishment and boost self-esteem, as exercise provides a tangible way to take control of your well-being. All of these counter the feelings of helplessness that often accompany depression and anxiety. In fact, “mental health professionals sometimes prescribe exercise as part of the treatment for specific mental illnesses” (Very Well Mind, 2023).

HOW WE CAN HELP

Our in-home personal trainers in Toronto, Collingwood, London, Hamilton and Ottawa (and virtual personal trainers everywhere) can assess your current fitness level, health history, and goals to design a program tailored to you. For those dealing with chronic conditions, this ensures exercises are safe and effective. Our team tracks progress and adjusts plans as needed to accommodate changes in strength, endurance, or mobility. Staying consistent can be challenging, especially when managing a chronic condition. We provide accountability, encouragement, and support to help keep you moving.

Lastly, in-home and virtual personal trainers teach proper form and technique, reducing risk of injury, which is especially important for individuals with conditions like osteoporosis or arthritis.

FINAL WORDS

Exercise is paramount for preventing and managing chronic conditions, and working with an in-home or virtual personal trainer is the best way to create a plan that’s right for you. It’s never too early or too late to start training, and the benefits are both immediate and long-term. We work with a lot of clients with chronic conditions and would be delighted to support you as well, either in person or virtually. Click here to request a free first workout.