Regular exercise can normalize blood pressure and reduce the amount of so-called visceral fat. Therefore, people with HIV are encouraged to lead an active lifestyle. Regular exercise in HIV has the following benefits:
Fill the body with oxygen.
Physical activity increases the oxygen capacity of the blood, which means a better flow of oxygen to the whole body.
Regain muscle mass.
HIV-positive people lose muscle mass quickly. And sport not only stops this process, but also helps to get the desired figure. Exercise increases joint flexibility and ligaments. Acceleration of metabolic processes also stimulates the processes of regeneration and increase the elasticity of cartilage tissue. It is important not to overload the joints. And also give them time to recover after training.
Sugar and lipids are excreted faster.
Antiretroviral therapy (Duovir, Efavir) is the way to a long and healthy life. But ART can cause high blood sugar and lipids. Thus, some patients have problems with the cardiovascular system and pancreas. Exercise will speed up the excretion of sugar and lipids from the body.
Reduces anxiety.
People with HIV often suffer from depression, anxiety disorders and PTSD. Exercise not only strengthens the immune system, but also increases oxytocin levels.
When playing sports with HIV, you must follow these rules:
– You should be careful in contact sports, such as boxing or wrestling, where there is a high risk of getting open wounds. So far, no case of HIV infection has been reported during sports, but it is still better to reduce this risk.
– Before starting training, you should consult a doctor who knows the course of your therapy and the stage of the disease. It is worth discussing with him which sport is right for you. Otherwise, there are no restrictions. If the training program is chosen correctly, then an HIV-positive person can play sports on a par with healthy people.
– Before you start training, you should tell your trainer about your positive HIV status.
– Increase the load gradually, it is efficient and safe.
– Do not exercise if you feel sick.
– Do not exercise if you have open injuries or wounds. If the injury is received during training, the training should be stopped.
When choosing a sport, keep in mind that HIV is transmitted through blood, which means that traumatic sports should be avoided.
If you want to normalize blood lipid levels, you should choose sports such as running, swimming, walking, cycling. Whatever sport you choose, it should be of interest to you. Sport has a very positive effect on HIV-infected people.
Regular sports activities will have a general strengthening effect on the whole body: on the health of the cardiovascular and nervous systems, speed up metabolism, strengthen the immune system. But don’t overdo it. If you are not interested, try to change the sport. Do not exercise if you feel sick. Always set goals that you can achieve. And always enjoy what you do.