When your lifestyle revolves around managing your type two diabetes, remaining active is key to warding off adverse symptoms. Still, being active can be more difficult than you might expect due to discomfort. Fortunately, several types of low-impact exercise raise your heart rate and promote good health. There are many at home workouts you can try as well. Here are some of the best exercises for type 2 diabetes and why you should consider incorporating them into your lifestyle.
Walking is a wonderful activity for anyone to participate in, and is especially good for those with diabetes. Brisk walking increases your heart rate and promotes adequate blood circulation and oxygen delivery throughout the body. Devoting just 30 minutes to daily walks can profoundly impact your stamina and range of motion. As such, it’s one of the most prescribed activities among people with diabetes.
Dancing is also a very effective way for those with diabetes to get their heart rate up. Not only does dancing work the heart and lung muscles, but it’s also a fun activity that the entire family can enjoy. Simply put on your favorite tunes, and dance at your own pace. Doing this a few times a week can lower blood sugar levels and even boost your mood!
If walking or dancing is too high-impact for your comfort levels, consider cycling instead. This activity minimizes the amount of strain put on your joints and ligaments. This reduced strain can prevent pain while exercising and help prevent future injuries from occurring. Cycling quickly increases heart rate and facilitates deeper breathing, providing the same blood sugar benefits as the above exercises.
Strength training can be advantageous as well. These exercises build muscle mass, which can go a long way in helping you maintain healthy blood sugar levels. The less muscle you have, the easier it is for your glucose to fluctuate suddenly. Since you can weight train with weights or resistance bands, there are plenty of ways to customize this activity to suit your current strength and agility.
Another top exercise for people with type two diabetes is yoga. Yoga is a low-impact form of physical training that focuses primarily on stretching and building physical strength With time, yoga can improve flexibility, build muscle, and keep your blood sugar levels stable. This activity also encourages you to practice breath control, which can lower stress and boost your mental well-being.
As you incorporate more activity into your life, it’s vital to have the proper footwear to keep you comfortable. Our collection of women’s and men’s diabetic shoes has specially constructed frames and padding to provide you with all the style and support you need to add to your wardrobe.