Is it possible to do fitness with varicose veins? If you choose the right type and the right amount of physical activity, training will not harm your health and cause no complications. Also, with the help of fitness, you can improve your well-being and stop the progression of the disease.
With a diagnosis of varicose veins, you will need to train in compression underwear, which fixes and supports the problem vessels. The attending physician must be informed of the upcoming physical activity and it is desirable to work in the gym under the guidance of a professional instructor. If you approach the organization of training correctly, you can do fitness without fear of aggravating the disease.
Symptoms and causes of varicose veins
Varicose veins of the lower limbs are a common ailment. It affects about one third of the population over the age of 25. In people with varicose veins, the venous vessels lose their elasticity, increase in size, change shape and bend. The deformed veins are found mainly on the calves and the back of the knee joint. Experts say that heredity plays an important role in the development of the disease and it is almost impossible to completely protect yourself from the appearance of varicose veins.
Should I go fitness if varicose veins still cannot be avoided? Indeed, physical activity is a good prevention of the disease. With their help, you can delay and slow down its development. The prerequisites for the appearance of varicose veins are obesity, poor posture and sedentary work, while fitness helps to burn extra pounds, straighten the back and improve blood flow in the lower limbs.
Training of venous vessels: a series of exercises
Therapeutic and preventive gymnastics against varicose veins includes two exercises well known to enthusiasts of a healthy lifestyle: "scissors" and "bicycle". They are performed in the supine position. Depicting scissors, lift both legs and cross them in a horizontal or vertical plane. At the same time, the legs are kept straight, the arms are placed along the body, the breath is not held. To simulate cycling, the arms are placed behind the head, the legs bent and raised. They make rotational movements with their feet, which are reminiscent of pedaling on a bicycle. While working, the lower back should not come off the floor. "Scissors" and "bicycle" stimulate the flow of venous blood and lymph well in the lower part of the body.
The next exercise is also performed lying on the floor, but a pillow is needed here - the legs are placed on it at an angle of about 20 degrees. One leg is bent at the knee and pulled to the chest, tightly squeezing the foot with the palms of the hands. Then slowly straighten the leg upward, sliding your hands firmly pressed along the calf to the knee joint. However, slowly lower your leg down, bringing your palms along your thigh.
Well stimulates the vibor gymnastics of venous blood flow. In a standing position, they rise on tiptoe, lifting the heels off the ground a little (about one centimeter). Then the heels drop sharply, hitting them on the floor surface. Perform 20 to 30 repetitions, rest no more than 10 seconds and perform another approach.
Stages of varicose veins and acceptable types of physical activity
In the different stages of varicose veins, strictly defined types of physical activity are allowed. The development of varicose veins begins with the appearance of the first nodular venous vessels visible through the skin. At this stage, it is allowed to engage in power simulators with minimization of the load on the legs. It is necessary to perform a good warm-up and stretching. Cardio on the treadmill is not recommended.
At the next stage, the tortuous veins become larger, the legs swell noticeably in the evening, heaviness and aching pain are felt. Patients with similar symptoms should forget about aerobic training with a shock load on the legs (jogging, steps, jumps). It is recommended to practice water sports that stimulate blood flow through the vessels of the limbs, but do not overload them. Useful fitness areas where inverted postures are practiced (yoga, pilates).
The third stage is characterized by severe swelling and darkening of the skin. To increase blood circulation in the legs, you can swim in warm water and go for walks, but the exercise shouldn't be tiring.