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Make Your Move positions , like standing from sitting or sitting up from lying down . It happens because blood pools in the legs and feet and not enough gets back to the heart , lungs and brain . Low blood pressure can cause dizziness and lightheadedness as well as feeling off balance , unsteady , woozy or like you ’ ll pass out or fall . In some people , low blood pressure leads to fatigue or thinking changes . While exercise can help , it ’ s important to stay safe while working out .
Strategies
+ Pre-exercise energy . It ’ s good to fuel your muscles . But large meals can worsen low blood pressure . Have a small snack one to two hours prior to exercise . Popular options include a fruit smoothie , banana , nut ( e . g ., almond , peanut , cashew ) butter and / or chocolate milk . Try different foods and combinations to find what gives the most energy and doesn ’ t weigh you down or impact how well medicine works .
+ Better blood flow . You can wear leg stockings , called compression stockings , that keep blood moving back to your heart . These come in various pressures and lengths , and your doctor can tell you which to try . If low blood pressure is significant , you may also want to consider an abdominal binder , a tight waist band , that works the same way .
+ Slow and steady . Let your body adjust to a new position . If you ’ ve been lying down , sit for a minute or so . Once you ’ re sure you don ’ t feel dizzy , stand slowly and stay still for a minute or two before walking . The longer you ’ ve been in one place , the slower you should move . Before changing positions , wiggle your arms and legs . This tells your heart and brain you ’ re ready to move .
+ Have a seat . You can do many exercises seated or lying down . Try a recumbent bike , seated elliptical , rower , or chair yoga , boxing or weightlifting . You ’ re less likely to fall or hurt yourself when closer to the ground .
+ Don ’ t hold your breath . Remember to breathe , especially when lifting weights . Holding your breath while straining can trigger the rest-and-digest nervous system , which could lower blood pressure and lead to passing out .
Sweating : “ I sweat too much or not enough .”
With exercise , body temperature naturally rises . Sweat is the body ’ s way of cooling off . Some people with PD have trouble regulating body temperature , which causes too much or too little sweating . This happens when Parkinson ’ s impacts the nerve and brain pathways that control temperature ( the autonomic nervous system ).
Too much sweat is not only uncomfortable , it also can cause dehydration , fainting or drop in body temperature , especially in cold weather . Too little sweat could cause overheating and fainting .
Strategies + Weather or not .
– Monitor the weather forecast and plan around temperature , sun , wind and other factors . If it ’ s warm , work out in the morning or early evening , when it ’ s typically cooler . Exercise in the shade , if possible , and take water and rest breaks . If it ’ s cold , try for the warmest and sunniest times , usually around midday . Wear sunscreen , even if it ’ s overcast , and sunglasses when brighter . If it ’ s windy , exercise closer to buildings and wear wind-resistant clothing .
– Stay indoors if the weather isn ’ t ideal . Walk around the mall or take a class at the gym or community center . Build a back-up plan for this scenario .