Contraindications to fitness activities

Author: Zavitnevich Evgenia - a Master of Sports in gymnastics and an aerobics coach.
2013-11-26

Everyone wants to stay active, especially those who are not in perfect health. I take into account certain "features" of the individual's health condition and recommend choosing specific types of workouts. Of course, consulting a doctor is almost always necessary. I am not considering complete contraindications to fitness (such as asthma attacks, gallstones or kidney stones, insulin-dependent diabetes, thrombophlebitis of the lower limbs, blood disorders, glaucoma, cataracts, and other diseases depending on the stage) and the prescription of physical therapy.

There are diseases where exercise is indicated, but it might be better to modify or even exclude certain exercises. It is also possible that contraindications may apply to specific types of fitness. To avoid harming yourself and to ensure that your workout is beneficial, here are a few tips.

With varicose veins. Exclude squats, lunges, and jumping; avoid static tension – perform exercises at a moderate pace while sitting or lying down. Swimming is excellent. Compression stockings will be beneficial.

With myopia. With more than 6 diopters, exclude heavy lifting (straining). Do not perform exercises upside down (for example: in an elbow position).

With joint diseases (arthritis, arthrosis, osteochondrosis, intervertebral hernias, etc.). Exclude jumping, static, and heavy weight-bearing exercises. Aquatic aerobics, joint gymnastics, and Pilates are suitable, as they promote stretching of the joint capsule, light muscle toning, and consequently enhance blood circulation and nutrient flow to the affected joint. Naturally, all of this should not occur during an exacerbation.

With vegetative-vascular dystonia. You should avoid sudden changes in body position (e.g., from lying to standing).

After ARI (Acute Respiratory Infection). 50% of normal load for another 2 weeks, then increase to 80%, and so forth.

Oncological diseases in the past (even 10 years ago!). Exclude types of fitness that accelerate metabolic processes (such as shaping).

Any surgical intervention. Begin exercising no earlier than 6 months after the procedure.

With high blood pressure. Pilates, yoga, and callanetics are excellent (using breathing techniques based on Buteyko's method but without excessive effort).

During pregnancy. Participate in separate "Fit Mom" classes. From the 12th to the 38th week in the absence of obstetric-gynecological diseases.