If you have kidney problems, or have in the past, exercise is important. It is also important if you want to prevent problems with your kidneys. Your body needs regular physical activity to stay healthy. If you are not active, your physical and mental health can be affected.

Talk to your health care provider about exercise choices. They may suggest:

• Stretching.
• Swimming.
• Walking.
• Bicycling.
• Taking a fitness class.
• Taking a dance class.
• Using an exercise machine, such as _________________.
• Other _________________.

When you exercise, your organs and tissues get more oxygen and nutrients from your blood. This gives you more energy. Exercise also makes your muscles stronger, which helps make your bones stronger. This is helpful because kidney disease sometimes makes bones weak. Regular aerobic exercise can help lower high blood pressure. Aerobic exercise is any nonstop activity that makes your heart work harder. Exercise lowers your risk of getting diabetes. It can also help you control diabetes, if you have it. Other benefits of exercise include:

• A lower risk for heart attack and stroke.
• More well-being and less stress.
• A lower risk for colon and breast cancer.
• Preventing or improving joint pain (arthritis).
• Lower levels of blood fats (cholesterol).
• Better sleep.
• A healthier weight.

It is best to exercise at least 3 times a week. Try to spread your exercise out over the week. Do it every other day, for example. Make it a goal to work out for 30 minutes each time. If you cannot do 30 minutes at a time, you can break it up into smaller periods. For example, you could take a brisk 10-minute walk 3 times a day. Talk with your health care provider about the safest way to start.

All types of movement count. But if you have been ill, talk with your health care provider. Ask what type of exercise is best for you. Also ask how long, how often, and how hard to exercise. Here are some ways to be more active:

• Swim laps at a pool.
• Go for a walk.
• Mow the lawn or wash the car.
• Take the stairs.
• Choose a parking spot farther away.
• Take dancing lessons.
• Join a health club.

Find an activity you enjoy. You will be more likely to keep it up. You could also ask a friend to join you. It may help you stick to a regular exercise program.