At Home or in a Gym?
Once the doctor gives the OK to begin cardio training, it’s time to explore different exercise options. It might be easier to begin at a gym where the staff can explain cardio exercise machines and help develop a program that it suitable for an individual’s needs.When joining a gym, ask some questions first. Find out whether the staff is certified by the American College of Sports Medicine.
Ask what experience they have in working with clients who have diabetes. Also, see if the gym offers a trial membership. Many gyms offer a free day or a free week or more to try out their facility.
For some people, however, it will be just as easy to work alone. Jogging and walking are good individual aerobic exercises. Exercising with a partner can help if motivation begins to fade.
Getting More Information
The best place to get more information about cardio workouts is by talking to your healthcare team. Ask them what kind of exercise and at what intensity would be best for your individual needs.People new to aerobic activity might find it helpful to take a look at About.com’s “Cardio for Beginners” or consider working with a personal trainer or physical therapist at first. These professionals can help you learn the basic principles of the activity, determine and monitor your target heart rate, and develop an overall plan.
Sources:
“Aerobic Exercise: What 30 Minutes a Day Can Do.” MayoClinic.com 2007. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. 8 Oct. 2007 <http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/aerobic-exercise/EP00002>.
American Diabetes Association. “Physical Activity/Exercise and Diabetes.” Diabetes Care 27(2004): S58-S62. 8 Oct. 2007 <http://care.diabetesjournals.org/cgi/content/full/27/suppl_1/s58>.
“Cardio for Beginners.” About.com. 19 July 2007. About.com. 6 Nov. 2007. <http://exercise.D106/library/blbeginnercardio.htm.>
Duke University. “Intensive Exercise Improves Body's Ability To Process Blood Sugars.” Dukenews.duke.edu. 14 Feb. 2002. Duke University Office of News & Communications. 6 Nov. 2007. <http://www.dukenews.duke.edu/2002/02/sugar0202.html>.
“How Does Physical Exercise Help Cure Diabetes.” Ygoy.com 27 June 2007. Ygoy.Inc. 6 Nov. 2007. <http://diabetes.ygoy.com/how-does-physical-exercise-help-cure-diabetes/>.
Kelley G.A. and K.S. Kelley. “Effects of Aerobic Exercise on Lipids and Lipoproteins in Adults With Type 2 Diabetes: a Meta-Analysis of Randomized-Controlled Trials.” Public Health 121(2007): 643-55. 8 Oct. 2007 (abstract) <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?Db=pubmed&Cmd=ShowDetailView&TermToSearch=17544042&ordinalpos=21&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum>.
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Mayo Clinic Staff. “Diabetes Management: How Lifestyle, Daily Routine Affect Blood Sugar.” MayoClinic.com. 21 June 2007. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. 6 Nov. 2007. <http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/diabetes-management/DA00005>.
Sandstedt, Kristina. “Seated Exercise Series: Chair Aerobics.” DiabetesInControl.com (2003). Diabetes in Control. 8 Oct. 2007 <http://www.diabetesincontrol.com/sandstedt/Prescription.shtml>.
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Taylor, J.D. “The Impact of a Supervised Strength and Aerobic Training Program on Muscular Strength and Aerobic Capacity in Individuals With Type 2 Diabetes.” 8 Oct. 2007 J Strength Cond Res. 21(2007): 824-830. (abstract) <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?Db=pubmed&Cmd=ShowDetailView&TermToSearch=17685711&ordinalpos=9&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum>.