Exercise and Dialysis

Exercising regularly is important for staying fit and mentally healthy throughout your treatment journey.

Staying active while on dialysis has a variety of physical and psychological benefits. Regular exercise may improve your self-esteem, keep you mentally and physically stimulated and give you new opportunities for social interaction. Exercise may also make you feel “more like yourself” and help you regain your physical and emotional ability to do the activities you did before your diagnosis. Before you start any physical activity, talk to your clinician about what options are best for you.

Man and woman enjoying riding their bikes outside

Physical and Emotional Benefits of Staying Active on Dialysis

Physical activity is essential for maintaining a healthy lifestyle, whether or not you are on dialysis. Exercise, in combination with a kidney-friendly diet, can help you maintain a healthy weight, strengthen your muscles and maintain a clear head and positive mindset. Regular physical activity is especially important for helping to keep your heart healthy. This is very important when you have chronic kidney disease (CKD), which puts you at increased risk for developing heart disease.

Regular exercise can help you maintain your physical and mental health while on dialysis by:

Increasing your energy level
Helping you control your weight
Improving your digestion
Improving the quality of your sleep
Reducing stress and anxiety
Decreasing your risk of heart disease
Helping you control your blood sugar and blood pressure
Helping you fight depression and remain positive
Lowering your cholesterol levels
Giving you opportunities for social interaction
Strengthening your muscles

Choosing activities that you enjoy can go a long way in helping you stick to your exercise plan throughout your treatment journey. Talk to your clinician about what types of exercise will be comfortable and suitable for you. Also consider looking for opportunities to be active with friends or family in order to make the experience more fun.

Woman with her husband, running on treadmills for exercise

What Kind of Exercise Can I Do?

When you’re on dialysis, there are many types of physical activity you can enjoy. Exercising on dialysis may be as simple as taking regular walks. However, if you’re able to do other activities, your clinician can recommend a number of different outdoor exercises you can do, if the weather permits. Otherwise, there are a variety of exercises you can do indoors.

Outdoor exercises you can do while on dialysis include:

Brisk walking
Leisurely walking
Jogging
Cycling

Indoor exercises you can do while on dialysis include:

Walking or jogging on a treadmill
Dancing
Indoor cycling
Swimming (depending on your treatment choice)
Using exercise equipment

Anyone on dialysis can exercise. However, it is important that the type of activity you do is appropriate for your age, level of ability and physical condition. Before you start any specific exercise, it is important you discuss this with your clinician. Making an exercise plan may be a good way to keep track of how much or how little you’re moving and help you stick to your health goals.

Woman and man hiking through trails with their dog

Special Considerations

Some dialysis patients have other medical issues that may affect their ability to exercise regularly. Diabetes and heart disease are two of the most common. If you have these conditions, you should consult with your doctor before starting to exercise, and then start your exercise plan slowly, increasing the intensity and length of your activities over time.

Rules for exercising on dialysis differ from person to person, but there are a few general guidelines you should keep in mind when planning your activities.

If you are on PD, you should avoid exercising when your peritoneal cavity is full of dialysis fluid. You may find being active with a full abdomen very uncomfortable. If you have diabetes, be sure to pay attention to your blood sugar levels. They can fall when you exercise, and you may have to adjust your medications accordingly.

Exercising even once or twice a week may be beneficial for your health. It is ideal that you exercise at least 3 to 4 times per week, if possible. However, don’t exercise until you’re exhausted. If you experience any pain or other physical difficulties, stop exercising and contact your clinician for advice.

Woman taking a break from a hike, drinking from a bottle of water

Fluid Intake and Exercise

Keeping the fluids in your body balanced is extremely important when you are on dialysis. Be aware that your body will lose more fluid than usual when exercising. You should talk to your clinician about whether and how to change the amount of fluid you drink while you are exercising to make sure that you are staying hydrated and avoiding fluid imbalance. Dialysis patients frequently have water and other fluid restrictions, so you should discuss this with your healthcare team.

Where to go next?

Patient and their spouse preparing a kidney-friendly salad together

Adopting a Kidney-friendly Diet

A kidney-friendly diet can go a long way in helping you feel well and do your best throughout your treatment journey. Learn more about your diet and dialysis.

Man and his wife waiting for a train together at a train station

Travelling on Dialysis

It may still be possible for you to travel while you are being treated for chronic kidney disease (CKD). Learn more about travelling on dialysis.

Intimacy

It is possible for you to maintain intimate relationships while you are on dialysis. Learn more about intimacy and dialysis.

Treatment Options

Live Well