Exercising When Unwell.

Exercise is beneficial for everyone, yet for many it can prove to be difficult, especially when illness and one's physical health are concerns. If you are living with conditions like cancer, arthritis and diabetes you will know just how difficult it can be to exercise regularly.

Low impact exercises, such as yoga and swimming, can be really good way to introduce exercise back into your life. For conditions like depression, anxiety attacks, and even osteoporosis, the regular performance of a simple yoga routine can have a dramatic effect on one's health.

Low impact exercises cause the body to release endorphins in your brain and these in turn have a positive effect, make you feel happier and ameliorate the imbalance of depression. Similarly, and almost counter-intuitively, gentle movement and stretches can help if you suffer from achy and sore joints.

With exercise, as with writing, the difficulty is always getting started. To help your body prepare for exercise it is always worth trying a couple of warming up strategies...

• Run a warm bath to soak your joints before exercising
• Exercising very slowly to begin with, and only increase the level of intensity once you are entirely comfortable.
• If you cannot bare the pain try visualizing yourself exercising as a precursor to the real thing.
• Create a tranquil setting with music, soft lighting and warmth. You are not trying to build muscle through exertion, but rather stretch muscles and create greater flexibility and muscle tone.

Always be mindful of how your body feels. If you are over exerting then slow the pace down. If exercising in a class don't try to keep up if your body says slow down Do only as much as you feel able.

Always seek medical advice when commencing any new exercise program. Your doctor may be able to suggest areas of caution and equipment that will help with your specific condition. An inhaler for asthma sufferers is always advisable, as are support cuffs for arthritis and tendinitis.

Whatever way you find to incorporate exercise, whether it be Nordic walking, yoga, swimming or a exercise class at the local gym, you are sure to discover that your mind and your body both feel the benefit. Two weeks of exercising and you will be able to exercise for slightly longer than before, and without feeling so self conscious.