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One of the best things you can do for your health is to stay physically active. Staying active can help you feel good by lifting your mood, helping you sleep better at night, and helping you to manage stress. It will also help you to maintain a healthy body weight, control your blood pressure and cholesterol, and improve your mobility.

Experts recommend that you get at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity exercise on most days, in addition to the things you may already be doing, like cleaning, gardening and walking the dog. For a lot of people with kidney disease, the thought of doing 30 minutes of activity can seem overwhelming and well beyond what they’re currently doing. If that’s how you’re feeling, you’re not alone. The important thing is to make sure that you try to be active throughout the day. Look at what you’re already doing, start slowly, and build gradually from there.

Try to avoid sitting for long periods. This might mean a two-minute walk to the end of your driveway or even walking on the spot. Then, add thirty seconds or a minute, as you feel able, until you’re regularly active throughout the day.

Find activities that you enjoy and that work well for you and your situation. You may find it easier and more fun to stay active with a friend or in a group. Call your local community centre, public health unit or YMCA to find out what activities or clubs are offered in your community.

If you have any symptoms (such as joint or muscle pain, chest pain, dizziness, etc.) you should discuss your problems or concerns with your health care team before starting any new activity. If you need more guidance, registered physiotherapists can help you meet your health and physical activity goals.