Honey you keep talking about the gym have you gotten there yet?
August 8
Heya yes I have been to the gym and I love it. I have been on a huge water kick lately, due to the extreme heat wave here in Barrie. Not just the heat but mainly my health.
August 8
Hitting the gym 3-4 days a week is a fantastic goal! Regular exercise offers some really meaningful benefits for people living with HIV, and many of those benefits can also support mental wellness.
Here's what consistent exercise can do for you:
- Boosts immune function — physical activity may help your immune system work Show Full Answer
Hitting the gym 3-4 days a week is a fantastic goal! Regular exercise offers some really meaningful benefits for people living with HIV, and many of those benefits can also support mental wellness.
Here's what consistent exercise can do for you:
- Boosts immune function — physical activity may help your immune system work more effectively
- Improves mood and reduces depression symptoms — great news for managing mental wellness
- Reduces stress — exercise is one of the most natural stress-busters available
- Helps maintain a healthy weight — especially important since some ART medications can contribute to weight gain
- Increases lean muscle mass — resistance training in particular helps prevent muscle loss, which can occur with HIV
- Supports heart health — regular cardio lowers the risk of heart disease
- Reduces long-term ART side effects — such as bone loss and blood sugar issues
- Improves sleep quality — better sleep supports both physical and mental health
- Sharpens focus and mental clarity A myHIVteam member who has lived with HIV since 1985 shared that regular exercise made them feel "many times better," adding that you don't need fancy equipment — even walking, stretching, and yoga count.
As always, check in with your doctor before starting or changing your exercise routine to make sure it's the right fit for where you are in your health journey right now.
August 6