Exercise and Fitness Archive

Several strategies can help people cope when stress incontinence leads to urine leaks during exercise. For example, doing low-impact (rather than high-impact) exercise will put less stress on the pelvic floor muscles, helping to reduce leakage. Wearing absorbent "bladder leak" underwear can keep someone dry and comfortable during activity. Regularly strengthening the pelvic floor, abdominal, and hip muscles will bolster the body's ability to keep urine from leaking out of the bladder.

A 2024 study suggested that even five minutes of additional vigorous daily exercise could lower blood pressure.

Wearing a weighted vest can make exercises more challenging and place extra pressure on the bones, which may help maintain bone mass by stimulating the growth of new bone cells. They can be worn while walking, running, or doing body-weight or free-weight exercises.

Chair exercises are a great way to supplement a person's regular workout, or as a replacement when they can't do their usual routine. They also can be used for people returning to exercise after an injury or surgery, or for those with physical limitations. Chair exercises can offer a full-body workout and especially help address two areas people need assistance with as they get older: strength and flexibility. Most chair exercises can be modified to make the movements more or less challenging.

Popular exercise styles can be subject to trends. Scientists have studied high-intensity bursts of exercise a great deal in recent years, but research continues to also focus on the health benefits of moderate-intensity, continuous movement. Studies suggest both types of exercise can lower the odds of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and premature death. High-intensity exercise, however, can help people fulfill recommended exercise guidelines in less time. It does pose drawbacks, however, such as a higher risk of injuries and inflammation to joints and muscles.