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Bodytalk
Question: I'm a stroke survivor. Recently, my doctor gave me the green light to start an exercise program. He recommended that I work with an exercise specialist, but I can't afford one. Can you help me out? Post-stroke exercise
can be upliftingAnswer: I cannot write you a specific program because I know nothing of your history, or what your current health limitations are. What I can do is share with my readers some general guidelines on starting a stroke recovery fitness program.
Let's first address some of the aftereffects of having a stroke.
Often vision and speech are impaired. Some movement becomes limited and the ability to balance is effectively reduced. All of this plays havoc with a person's independence and sense of self worth.
Next, let's look at some post-stroke exercise guidelines and modifications. It's very important that a stroke survivor implement a post-stroke recovery program as soon as possible; early treatment will allow many stroke survivors to resume productive lives.
Loss of muscle tone, caused by limited movement, is a common post-stroke symptom. Also, loss of balance occurs as a result of these deconditioned muscles.
The most effective way to increase muscle strength is with weightlifting. When lifting weights (and this goes for everybody), start out with a resistance appropriate to the individual muscle being worked. Pay close attention to your joints. Avoid overloading them, as this will cause more harm than good.
Perform the exercises in positions that are stable - sitting versus standing, for instance. Use equipment adaptations such as expanded or padded gripping devices. Use exercise machines in place of free weights.
Health Events
Stephenie Karony is a certified health
and fitness instructor, a personal trainer and the author of
"Body Shaping with Free Weights." Send questions to her at
P.O. Box 262, Wailuku Hi. Her column appears on Wednesdays.