| Exercising is one of those events that you | | | | weight. |
| know you should do but don't always want to. | | | | |
| At least that's how I feel until I get on a | | | | - Regular exercise can help your body respond |
| routine. After about a month or so of | | | | to insulin and is known to be effective in |
| continuous planned exercising a strange thing | | | | managing blood glucose. |
| happens...I get addicted. This article will | | | | |
| give you a few pointers on things to do and | | | | - Exercise can lower blood glucose and |
| not do and the benefits of exercising. | | | | possibly reduce the amount of medication you |
| | | | need to treat diabetes, or even eliminate the |
| Do(s) and Don't(s): | | | | need for medication. |
| | | | |
| Unless you are participating in very | | | | - Exercise can improve your circulation, |
| strenuous exercise, like long bike rides, | | | | especially in your arms and legs, where |
| that lasts over 90 minutes, you don't need to | | | | people with diabetes can have problems. |
| drink "sports drinks." Stick with water (no | | | | |
| sugar, no calories) your body will thank you. | | | | - Exercise can help reduce your cholesterol |
| | | | and high blood pressure. High cholesterol and |
| It is a good idea take a friend to exercise | | | | high blood pressure can lead to a heart |
| class with you. You are much more apt to | | | | attack or stroke. |
| stick with your program if you recruit a | | | | |
| partner. There is nothing better than a | | | | - Exercise helps reduce stress. |
| little peer pressure to keep you motivated. | | | | |
| | | | Training: |
| To prevent injury, stretch at least the | | | | |
| following four areas after every exercise | | | | Do strength training! Keep this thought in |
| session: the calves, the hamstrings, the | | | | mind as you do your strength training: the |
| shoulders and the back. This will help | | | | more muscle tissue you have, the more fat you |
| prevent cramping as well. | | | | burn. And you are burning this fat even when |
| | | | you are at rest. |
| Should you be exercising every day? You need | | | | |
| to find your own "comfort zone" between "on" | | | | Do aerobic training! This type of training is |
| and "off" days, between "exercise" and | | | | good for burning calories, keeping your heart |
| "rest." Determine what schedule works for | | | | strong and improving your over-all endurance. |
| you. You can work out every day, but it is | | | | |
| not necessary to reap the rewards of | | | | In conclusion: |
| exercise. The most important thing is to do | | | | |
| what works best for you. | | | | Make exercising a part of your life style, |
| | | | doing a little is better than none at all. |
| The benefits of exercising: | | | | Remember to consult with your physician prior |
| | | | to beginning an exercise program. Usually a |
| - Exercise burns calories, which will help | | | | telephone call to your doctor will be all |
| you lose weight and maintain a healthy | | | | that is necessary. |