How Is Exercising With HIV Or While Taking ART? | myHIVteam

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How Is Exercising With HIV Or While Taking ART?
A myHIVteam Member asked a question 💭

Prior to being diagnosed in April of 2017, I was extremely active. I ran 2-4 miles a day and had started weight lifting and muscle gaining.
Since my diagnosis everything has been put on hold and I would like to start exercising again.
I experience fatigue and soreness in my back and joints. Is this something that could go away if I chose to start working out again? Will working out be a healthy option?

posted January 25, 2018
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A myHIVteam Member

Exercise is very important, even more so for we who are virally enhanced. I was diagnosed with HIV in July 1985. This month marks my 34th year. In that time, I learned there are some things we have to do for ourselves. One of them is exercise. Get off the couch. I feel many times better after regular exercise. You don't need a gym or fancy machine. Walking is great exercise, stretching and yoga or tai chi are very helpful. The other thing is not to isolate myself and spend too much time in my own head. Get out of the house. Volunteer somewhere, get a part-time job, visit a neighbor, whatever works for you.

posted July 25, 2019
A myHIVteam Member

I agree with the exercise topic. My mood changes too when I’ve been to the gym, I feel happier and less hopeless. I ought to try to go again really.

posted May 10, 2018
A myHIVteam Member

Exercise is beneficial to anyone regardless of the fatigue! I've found that many I've known that are POZ mentally left the disease take control of thier lives and therefore they were blinded to the benefits of exercise! I confess I was one of them! When I realized I was slowly losing my independence I did not hesitate to start going to the gym,2xs a week at an hour per session to start with and gradually increasing my time as I noticed I was feeling better about myself both mentally and physically! It wasn't easy but I eventually moved to 3 days a week and an hour and a half per session! Even with severe neuropathy in both hands and feet I found that the pain and the number of events was reduced significantly! I hope more people on this site would acknowledge the benefits they've experienced with just some form of moderate exercise!

posted September 24, 2018
A myHIVteam Member

I lift 6 days a week ~10hrs total, I take martial arts 1-2 days, usually hike my lifting off day. I was diagnosed after having established this routine and haven't stopped. The ART can cause bone loss so my doc encouraged weight training. I'm 56 and undetectable, was on tivacay and descovy just changed to biktarvy.

posted April 30, 2018
A myHIVteam Member

I run, train, do martial arts but I’m still fat and always tired!

posted March 13, 2018

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