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FAQs
+ Swimming A total body aerobic exercise that can be short or long distance , low or high intensity , and done in a pool or open water , like a lake . There are various types of swimming , such as breast or back stroke . Swimming allows your body to be supported by water , which lessens impact on your joints while allowing greater freedom of movement . Mind the water temperature as some say symptoms temporarily worsen in cold water . And note deep brain stimulation ( DBS ) has been reported to affect swimming ability in some , so proceed cautiously after surgery . Test your abilities in the shallow end of a pool and make sure you swim when feeling “ on ” and always with another person .
How hard should I push myself ?
As hard as you can , which is different for everyone . It will depend on how much activity you ’ re used to , your symptoms , other medical conditions and how you feel in general . Exercise should challenge but also energize you . As much as possible , aim for moderateto high-intensity exercise .
Listen to your body to find the sweet spot — not too easy , not too hard . When exercising , you might feel tired or sore . But you shouldn ’ t feel sudden , sharp pain ; like you ’ ll pass out ; or like you can ’ t catch your breath . After exercise , you could have mild muscle aching or fatigue , sometimes lasting a day or two . But that shouldn ’ t limit how or how much you can move or how much energy you have for other activities . If it does , you may need to back off the intensity a bit .
“ It ’ s not ‘ no pain , no gain ’; it ’ s ‘ no pain , no pain .’ If you feel pain with exercise , back off !”
Richard Huckabee
Do I have to exercise at high intensity ?
It is true that the harder you can work , the more benefit you may get . But there ’ s still much value in low-intensity exercise and even simple daily movement . Regular movement helps digestion , sleep , mood and much more . And it ’ s likely that being consistent — keeping up regular activity for years and years — is just as or more important than the intensity of an individual exercise session .
How can I make exercise more challenging or fun ?
Over time , our bodies adapt . What was once nearly impossible may become too easy . One way to increase effort is to work out longer or harder . Trying new activities is another . Switch up your routine every few weeks or months . You ’ ll work different muscles and keep yourself interested . Have fun with season-specific activities , like playing frisbee or volleyball in the summer