Exercise and Special Cases for Personal Trainers

1. Diabetes patients
People with diabetes are at high risk for coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular disease, and congestive heart failure. They are also more prone to obesity. A regular exercise program can help to mitigate all of these risk factors. Because a patient with diabetes is at high risk of heart disease, it is important that he receive clearance from his doctor before beginning an exercise program.

2. Arthritis patients
Individuals with arthritis often struggle with pain on a daily basis. Their pain levels may interfere with the daily activities of living, such as walking up a flight of stairs. Exercise can help. Exercise increases flexibility and reduces inflammation in the joints. This can help to lower the level of joint pain and stiffness that an arthritis patient experiences.

3. Osteoporosis patients
People at risk of osteoporosis can slow or prevent the disease by regularly participating in an exercise program that includes weight-bearing exercise and resistance training. Patients with osteoporosis are at higher risk of fractures in the event of a fall or other trauma to the body. This must be taken into account when designing an exercise program.

4. Heart disease patients
Research shows that patients with heart disease benefit immensely from an exercise program. Exercise can help to promote weight loss and lower blood pressure.

5. Lung disease patients
Chronic lung disease can take many forms. Asthma, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis all qualify as lung diseases. A proper exercise program can be very beneficial to patients with these kinds of illnesses. It can improve endurance and reduce shortness of breath. The patient’s physician should provide clearance before getting started.

6. Cancer patients
Many cancer patients struggle with fatigue and depression as a result of the cancer treatments they must undergo. Research shows that in these cases exercise can improve a patient’s quality of life. An exercise program may also improve a patient’s commitment to treatment. However, cancer and the difficult treatments it demands can complicate the situation.

7. Pregnant patients
A pregnant woman may benefit from an exercise program in many ways. Regular exercise can help her to gain weight at a proper rate during pregnancy. It also prepares her to lose weight more rapidly after birth. Pregnant women who exercise tend to sleep better and also to have fewer mood swings during pregnancy. A pregnant woman should always discuss an exercise program with her physician before starting one.

Assessing muscle strength in different populations may require special considerations, so it’s always important to evaluate the needs of your client before starting any program.

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