Regular movement is important
For members of the Huntington’s disease community being physically active contributes significantly towards overall brain health and wellbeing at any age. However, let’s be honest, we are all a little time poor and the thought of adding another activity to our already busy schedules can be overwhelming.
Nevertheless, the benefits of participating in physical activity far outweigh not doing anything. Be reassured there are many types of physical activity as listed below that will suit your interest and motivate you to participate.
We would recommend the following for your consideration in order to ensure the inclusion of exercise into your life:
- Select activities that interest you.
- Build on activities you are already doing.
- Track your progress with a fitness app and feel good about your achievements.
- If you are time poor, select physical activities you can do quickly and easily.
- Refer to the Australian physical activity guidelines.
To ensure your successful participation do not set up and commit to an exercise plan that does not appeal to you and does not suit your lifestyle. Remember, any exercise is better than nothing, and if you are time poor you can make it quick, easy and enjoyable. Not only does participation in physical activity improve your brain health, it has additional health benefits as outlined below:
Increase blood circulation to the brain
Reduce risk of heart disease and/or high blood pressure
Release feel-good endorphins
Boost energy & boost your immune system
Sharpen memory and cognitive abilities
Improve sleep quality
If you are looking for ideas of what you can do outside of joining a gym, there is a multitude of free apps, YouTube videos and live classes on social media for fitness, dance, yoga and more! If you see a physiotherapist or occupational therapist and have not already, ask for their advice for suitable exercises that you can do at home.
You are more than welcome to join the Huntington’s community at their annual Move 4 HD event.