Benefits of Exercise on PCOS
By Louise Parker
While there is no scientific proof that exercise helps those suffering with PCOS more than it helps the average person, common sense does tell us that since such a large number of women with PCOS are obese exercise is vital to long-term health.
Exercise helps the body’s cells use sugar for energy, reducing the amount in the blood stream. For PCOS sufferers who are also type-2 diabetic, it’s believed that exercise helps the body use insulin in a more efficient way. But that’s not the only benefit. Exercise has been shown to improve circulation, reduce blood pressure, increase levels of good cholesterol, build muscle and help in weight loss.
Exercise in women with PCOS is also believed to help regulate abnormal menstrual cycles. And although no major studies have been done, exercise is thought to help PCOS sufferers deal with blood pressure issues and even with excessive hair growth due to high levels of male hormone found in women with PCOS.
So, the common sense benefits of exercise are clear. The question is then, what’s the right routine and how do I stick to it? The answer will be different for everyone, but there are a few guidelines you can use. First off, consult a doctor. He or she can help point you in the right direction and make sure you don’t overdo it. The second thing is to keep it fun! Exercise can be so much more than just running around the block until you can’t run anymore, or sitting on a stationary bike in a crowded gym for an hour.
The best way to keep exercise fun and to help make sure that you stick to it is to get an exercise buddy. This way, you can set goals and try to help each other achieve them. You can do tandem exercises like playing basketball or even a spirited game of catch. You can make a list of fun things do to so that every time you exercise, you’re doing something different and things don’t get repetitive and boring.
Also, listen to your body. Don’t overdo things, and if you come back from a day out and you’re sore, it’s ok to take a day off until you feel better.
Don’t be afraid to try unorthodox methods of exercise. Going for a hike in the woods counts just as much as doing a workout tape in front of the TV. Ice skating is a fantastic aerobic workout and can be substituted for a long run. A night out dancing at a club instead of a bike ride works just fine. Don’t be afraid to try new things and keep your exercise routines fresh and exciting. Getting into a rut of doing the same few things over and over is the number one cause of people giving up on their exercise. The most important thing to remember is to just stay active, no matter what. Since PCOS sufferers are prone to obesity, you have to be extra vigilant with diet and exercise to stay in shape.
Louise Parker has an interest in PCOS. For further information on PCOS please visit PCOS or PCOS Symptoms .
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