Restorative Procedures 
Fitness Consultants
HIV Care Centres
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Fitness should be a part of your daily routine and will help you feel better by reducing
stress and your sense of well-being. It may also help the immune system work better.
Consider these health benefits:
- Increased muscle mass that can boost the total amount of energy your body produces.
- Reduced cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Some HIV meds increase the amount of fat in your blood, but exercise can help protect you against the associated risk of heart disease.
- Decreased fatigue.
- Regulated bowel function.
- Improved mental outlook.
- Increased bone density which will protect against osteoporosis.
- Improved circulation, heart capacity and lung function.
- Better sleep.
There are 3 major types of exercise that can be beneficial for people living with HIV: resistance,
aerobic and flexibility. Resistance exercise (weight training) adds density and bulk to
the muscles in your body. This is probably the most important type of exercise for people
with HIV because more muscle=better immune function.
Aerobic exercise involves movements that increase your heart rate. These include
walking, running, swimming, etc. This type of activity is great for your immune
system, but is also beneficial in decreasing your risk for developing heart disease.
Flexibility includes any stretching techniques. The benefits of this type of exercise
are increased range of motion, joint function and injury prevention.
Other benefits of following an exercise regime are:
- Improved self-esteem
- Increased body cell mass
- Improved sex drive
- Increased appetite
- Improved appearance
- Increased metabolism
So what are you waiting for?
Contact your doctor before starting any fitness program and get to it!
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