Exercise During Hepatitis C Treatment

The new drugs for hepatitis C treatment are much easier on your body. You now even exercise during hepatitis C treatment. However, when you have fatigue, achy joints, nausea, or medicine head, exercise during hepatitis C treatment may be the last thing on your mind. If you read my recent article about the benefits for exercising, I am willing to bet you have your motivation. You have talked to your doctor and are ready for a workout.

You do not have to have expensive equipment to exercise. What is important is a having routine that works for you.

No matter where you work out, or how you do it, listen to your body for these signs:

• Extreme fatigue
• Fever
• Achy joints
• Nausea
• Headache
• Muscle pain

Before you begin, give your muscles a good stretch. Stand up and raise your hands up over your head. Stretch your fingers toward the sky and then roll over and let your fingers dangle in front of you. Lift your toes toward the ceiling and get a good stretch down your back. Roll up slowly and flap your arms around a bit, shaking your hands. Repeat a few times to warm up.

Walking - Even on your worst day of treatment, a short walk can boost your body and your mood. Put on your walking shoes and head out the door. If you are feeling weak or unstable, invite someone to go with you. Walk at your own pace for at least 15 minutes is still exercising and will help you feel better during hepatitis C treatment.

Use weights or canned goods. Hold your arm close to your upper body. Curl your hands toward your chest. Slowly release them back down to your side. Do this 12 times. Repeat as many times as you can.

Holding the same weights at your side, lean right. Let the weight pull your upper body toward the floor. Stand back upright and repeat on the left. Do as many as you can.

Spread your feet hip distance apart. Partially sit down letting your weight rest on your upper thigh. Bring your arms to a fighter’s stance. Form your hands into fists. Make a hard quick punch and pull your fist back in. Take turns punching right and left. Do this 12 to 24 times. Rest. Repeat.

Lie down on the floor on a towel or mat. If you are thin and your bones stick out, use a blanket. Fold your hands behind your head. Bring your right knee and your left elbow toward each other and release. Repeat with left knee and right elbow. Get a rhythm going as your punch the alternate foot out while curling toward your knee. Stop and rest before repeating as many times as you can.

Cool down by lying still on your back. Let your hands rest at your side. Relax every muscle in your body. You may feel sore or stiffness. Take a deep breath in and relax that muscle group where you feel pain or tension.

A warm shower after a workout will leave you feeling strong. While exercising during hepatitis C treatment, it is important to learn to listen to our body. It needs a lot of rest. It also needs to keep muscles strong. You can do both while taking care of yourself while on treatment for hepatitis C.