Are the exercises recommended for those with circulation problems?

Can I really do physical activity even with less than good circulation?

Practicing physical exercise has a number of well-known benefits. Despite this, some people still have difficulty or fear in adhering to the practice, especially when an illness is associated. This is the case of people who have circulation problems who, because they feel tired and have a feeling of heaviness in their legs during physical activity, immediately ask themselves: can I really exercise even with less than good circulation?

According to the vascular surgeon Aline Lamaitamember of the Brazilian Society of Angiology and Vascular Surgery, these people not only can, but must exercise.

“It’s a two-way street: physical activity improves circulation and good circulation improves sports performance. And the more you train, the better your vascular conditioning will be, so the feeling of heaviness and tiredness will also decrease,” says the doctor.

“Physical activity also helps control weight, thus reducing the natural progression of circulatory diseases such as varicose veins, as we know that obesity is a major aggravating factor.”

Reoxygenation of the lungs

According to the doctor, physical exercises that strengthen the calf muscles are particularly beneficial for circulation, since this is the muscle responsible for pumping blood to the heart so that it can be reoxygenated in the lungs. And you don’t have to go far and become a professional athlete to improve circulation, because even low-impact exercises already bring benefits.

“For example, walking, among other benefits, helps improve circulation in the legs by promoting the growth of new blood vessels and the contraction of the calf muscles, increasing the speed of blood flow in the veins and better return of blood to the heart” , underlines the specialist.

Water exercises, such as swimming and water aerobics, are also great options. “All water exercises, in addition to working the leg muscles, are excellent aerobic activities and are based on the hydrostatic pressure of the water, which works as lymphatic drainage, activating the circulation,” underlines the doctor.

Investing in bodybuilding is also a good option. According to Aline, in addition to burning fat and increasing muscle mass, weight training also protects bones and improves posture, flexibility, physical resistance and, above all, circulation, since, being composed of more intense exercises, it makes the heart more active and healthy, normalizes blood pressure and fights cholesterol, thus protecting the body from cardiovascular diseases.

“Those who suffer from varicose veins should see weight training as an ally of the cure, since calf hypertrophy is essential to control venous diseases, as well as being an excellent way to prevent diseases such as thrombosis and embolism pulmonary,” says the doctor.

Professional support

But it is worth remembering that weight training should always be done correctly and under the supervision of a physical education professional to avoid possible complications, such as worsening varicose veins.

“In people who have a genetic predisposition to varicose veins, the habit of holding their breath while lifting weights can increase intra-abdominal pressure, which, in turn, reduces venous return from the legs to the heart. In this way, the blood accumulated in the legs ends up increasing the pressure within the veins in the region, which dilate and give rise to varicose veins,” warns the specialist.

In addition to practicing physical activity, it is possible to alleviate the symptoms resulting from circulatory problems by adopting some simple measures, such as using elastic compression stockings.

“Compression stockings stimulate circulation in the leg and are excellent for those who practice regular physical activity, and can be used during exercise to protect the muscles, reducing muscle vibrations and decreasing the accumulation of lactic acid in the muscles, which affects the performance and better recovery. For those with circulatory problems such as varicose veins, socks are an excellent ally also in terms of comfort during activity. It can also be used after intense physical activity, as it helps recovery,” he advises.

Finally, it is worth remembering that consulting a vascular surgeon before performing any type of exercise is essential for those with circulation problems.

“Only a specialized professional will be able to carry out an assessment to diagnose what is affecting your circulation and tell you what types of exercises you can perform, as well as recommend, if necessary, specific treatments for your case,” concludes the doctor.

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Source: Terra

Ben

Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.