Cross-Training For Diabetes

Exercise is not just important for keeping yourself in shape and looking good. It can also help you stay away from many different types of diseases. And if you are already suffering an ailment such as diabetes, working out can give you a chance to lessen the negative impact of the disease on your life. But then, you might feel bored by working on the same exercise program day in day out. In that case you might need to indulge in a bit of cross training.

As a diabetic you cannot rely on exercising now and then. This is because only frequent exercise can help you control your blood-sugar levels constantly. When you exercise regularly, your muscles absorb glucose and prevent it from building up in the bloodstream. And to make sure that regular exercise does not become cumbersome, you can always go for cross training.

This type of training, explained simply, is,

An exercise plan wherein you do different types of activities on different days or many on the same day.

A mixture of aerobic exercises aimed at elevating your heart rate and working the larger muscle groups.

A way to control blood-sugar levels. Aerobic exercises move glucose into the muscles and away from the bloodstream, while you are working out. This lasts for a maximum of 72 hours after exercise.

A great way to reduce the risk of exercise related injury, which might happen if you work out in the same way for a long period of time. Fitness also helps you retain interest in exercise.

So, what are the activities that can be a part of your cross training regimen? You can use one or more of these activities to make up a great cross training schedule.

Walking/jogging/hiking

Swimming/rowing

Jumping rope/dancing/skating

Climbing stairs

In a week, you can swim for two days, do jogging for two days and skate for another two. This is just an example and you can select the combination of activities that suits you best according to your preferences, capabilities and time.

However, before you engage in cross training, you should keep the following things in mind.

Do you have retinopathy?

Do you have any kidney diseases or peripheral vascular diseases?

If you have any of the above health problems in addition to diabetes, you should consult a doctor about the possible repercussions of cross training. you should also note that,

Aerobic exercises done with daily frequency can help you deal with diabetes effectively

Ideally you should try thirty minute workout sessions that challenge your body but do not exhaust you at all.

You should use common sense in order to determine whether you should exercise more or less. For example if it's hurting your body, what's the point in carrying on? After all, cross training is about being fit and not exercising through the pain-barrier!

If you can, consult a fitness trainer for guidance on cross training. As a diabetic, it is imperative that you allow an expert to prepare a cross training schedule for you because your fitness needs are very specific.

By now, you must be raring to start cross training right away! All the best!