Can varicose veins work out? If you choose the right type and amount of physical activity, training will not harm your health or cause complications. Also, with the help of fitness, you can improve your health and stop the progression of diseases.
After varicose veins are diagnosed, you will have to train in compression bras to repair and support the problem blood vessels. The attending physician should be informed of upcoming physical activity and wish to work in the gym under the guidance of a professional trainer. If you organize your training properly, you can get fit without worrying about aggravating your illness.
Symptoms and causes of varicose veins
Varicose veins of the lower extremities are a common disease. It affects about one-third of the population over the age of 25. In people with varicose veins, the veins lose their elasticity, increase in size, change shape, and bend. The deformed veins are mainly located at the back of the lower leg and knee joint. Experts say that genetics plays an important role in the development of the disease, and it is nearly impossible to fully protect yourself from varicose veins.
Should I go to the gym if varicose veins are still unavoidable? In fact, physical activity is a great way to prevent disease. With their help, you can delay and slow down its development. Obesity, poor posture, and a sedentary job are prerequisites for developing varicose veins, and fitness can help burn excess pounds, straighten your back, and improve blood flow to your lower extremities.
Venous training: a set of exercises
Therapeutic and preventive gymnastics for varicose veins include two exercises well known to enthusiasts of healthy lifestyles - "scissors" and "bicycles". They are performed in the supine position. Trace the scissors, raising the legs and crossing them in a horizontal or vertical plane. At the same time, keep your legs straight and your arms along your body without holding your breath. To simulate cycling, the arms are placed behind the head and the legs are bent and raised. They use their feet to do rotational movements reminiscent of cycling. During work, the lower back should not leave the floor. "Scissors" and "Bicycle" stimulate the flow of venous blood and lymph in the lower body very well.
The next exercise is also performed lying down on the floor, but here you will need a pillow—with your legs on it at about a 20-degree angle. One leg is bent at the knee and drawn to the chest, gripping the foot tightly with the palm of your hand. Then slowly straighten the leg up and slide the clasped hands along the lower leg to the knee joint. Likewise, slowly lower your legs, palms along your thighs.
Vibration gymnastics for stimulating venous blood flow well. In a standing position, they stood on tiptoe and lifted their heels off the ground quite a bit (about a centimeter). Then the heel drops sharply, hitting the floor surface. Repeat 20 to 30 times, rest no more than 10 seconds, then perform another method.
Stages of varicose veins and acceptable types of physical activity
At different stages of varicose veins, strictly defined types of physical activity are allowed. The development of varicose veins begins with the appearance of the first nodular veins visible through the skin. At this stage, power simulators are allowed with minimal load on the legs. A good warm-up and stretching is necessary. Aerobic exercise on a treadmill is not recommended.
In the next stage, the tortuous veins become larger, and the legs are noticeably swollen at night, feeling heavy and sore. Patients with similar symptoms should forget about aerobic training (jogging, striding, jumping) with impact loads on the legs. Water sports that stimulate blood flow through the blood vessels of the extremities are recommended, but do not overload them. Useful fitness area for practicing inversion poses (yoga, pilates).
The third stage is characterized by severe swelling and darkening of the skin. To increase blood circulation in the legs, you can swim and walk in warm water, but the exercise should not be tiring.