HIV survivors urged to exercise by health professionals

Regular exercise produces many physiological and psychological benefits for HIV survivors. (Photo credit: flickr user paolo camera)

By Jim Rollince

A positive diagnosis of HIV was for over two decades portrayed by the media as a synonym for certain death. The only medical solutions involve the use of immune suppressing drugs and potential gene therapies. Many long-term survivors have completely forgone the use of standard treatments with an absolute conviction in their ability to stay healthy. Others put off the medications as a last resort option. They cite the damage caused by immunosuppressant pharmaceuticals but show a willingness to use them, if it becomes necessary to maintain health. Regardless of his or her convictions, every long-term survivor has something in common. They all adopt major lifestyle changes.

One of these changes is the incorporation of a physical fitness program. Far from being a quack remedy, even the leading medical authorities have now accepted the wisdom of regular exercise for people living with HIV/AIDs. The University of California?s HIV InSite states that every treatment plan should include a program of regular exercise. It is important for individuals to speak with a doctor or other health professional about their program, especially when there is unexpected pain, slow recovery, or other difficulty. Aside from this caveat, all HIV survivors are recommended to engage in aerobics and resistance training at the levels set by the U.S. Surgeon General.

What Are the Benefits of Exercise?

The primary benefit of exercise is the same for everyone. Increasing fitness levels reorganizes the way the body processes and expends energy. It does this in a couple of ways. Exercise prompts the body to direct more energy reserves to the muscles. This is an adaptive process to allow the muscles longer periods of exercise. Resistance workouts, and to a smaller degree aerobics, further prompts the body to expand energy storage capacity of target muscles. This is accomplished through hormonal pathways, such as an increase in human growth hormone production.

The body also adapts to support increased muscle requirements. Lung capacity is increased, and the heart is made stronger. This allows larger oxygen volume delivery through greater blood flow. The circulatory system adapts to increased blood volume by building more capillaries in the muscle tissue and increasing elasticity of veins.

All forms of physical activity are beneficial. Consult a doctor before beginning any new exercise regimen.

These primary changes lead to a cascading series of benefits for HIV survivors, whether they choose to follow a standard treatment program or not. Resting energy is increased to fight fatigue. The bones are made strong with greater fitness intensity, whether this is accomplished by running or on home gym equipment. Appetite hormones are produced in greater quantities. Insomnia and mood disorders are prevented by enhanced neurological function. Most chronic diseases are likewise prevented with regular exercise.?

What Are Appropriate Exercises?

People living with HIV/AIDs are as varied in personal interests and fitness history as the general population. Exercise routines should be designed to match this variation. Some will enjoy the simplicity of isometric and isotonic routines. Other may prefer the predictability of treadmills or an elliptical. Exercise routines should be designed to maximize motivation and incorporate recommended levels of aerobic and resistance workouts.

Note: ?Gym Source is a seller of exercise equipment.

Source: http://www.peppersoup.org/hiv-survivors-urged-to-exercise-by-health-professionals/

bronx zoo memphis grizzlies celebrity apprentice grizzlies bronx zoo crash april 30 wwe extreme rules 2012