Being a couch potato doesn’t just increase your waist line. It also increases your chances of developing heart disease. According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), inactive people are almost twice as likely to develop heart disease as active individuals. You don’t have to be an elite athlete to get the effects. Mild to moderate bouts of exercise will help.

The Benefits

  • Reduced risk factors for conditions (heart disease, stroke, etc.)
  • Increased heart and lung efficiency
  • More calories burned (weight loss)
  • Improved circulation
  • Decreased harmful cholesterol


Getting Started
You should first check with your doctor to make sure you have the green light to begin exercising. Next, develop a game plan (how many days a week, what time of the day, any transportation arrangements, etc). Check out groups and organizations within your community that offer structured aerobic exercise programs such as a YMCA, health clubs, independent living facilities, and adult education classes.

If participating in a group setting sounds intimidating to you, rent or purchase an exercise video. Finding a fitness buddy, someone who regularly exercises each week around the same schedule as you, is another great way to incorporate exercise in your lifestyle.

We all have things that can interfere with an exercise program, but there are certain issues specifically related to traumatic brain injury that can be addressed effectively.

  • Fatigue—This is a common problem due to chronic pain, sleep disturbances, and depression, among other conditions. One of the common benefits of aerobic activity is improved stamina, which can help combat fatigue.
  • Depression—This is another common issue related to TBI, Aerobic activity has been shown to improve mood and can be an inexpensive treatment to mild depression.
  • Memory—By using repetition and review throughout the exercise program, you will be able to complete your workout from start to finish. Workout notebooks can help too.
  • Slowed thinking—Processing information can take a little longer after a TBI, but by asking an instructor to be clear and concise in the breakdown of the exercise, it can help you to understand easier.
  • Physical impairments—Whether it is a visual impairment or paralysis affecting one side of your body, modifications can be made easily to ensure a safe workout.


Aerobic Activities for Brain Injury
Walking, snow skiing, snow shoeing, sledding, riding a recumbent bike, water walking, swimming, dancing, aerobic classes, water aerobics, water skiing, gardening, and yard work are just a few aerobic activity options. What is your favorite?

Resources
Brain Injury Resource Foundation

National Institutes of Health

See Related Articles
Learn more about exercises for traumatic brain injury patients, in Top Three Exercises for Traumatic Brain Injury.

See Brain Injury Patients and Caregivers Can Benefit from Donepezil for more information about caring for traumatic brain injury patients.