Exercise
Exercise is a very important part of stroke recovery, and it also helps to reduce your risk of having another stroke.
Exercise has many benefits for both mind and body:
- Improve cardiovascular health
- Improve blood pressure
- Lower cholesterol
- Reduce stress, anxiety and depression
- Reduce fatigue and improve energy levels
- Reduce risk of diabetes
- Help control weight.
Finding a type of exercise you really enjoy is the key to keeping motivated and consistent. Your options are endless, including walking, cycling, gym work, swimming, yoga and tai chi. Try making a deal with a friend or family member to exercise together, or join a local group. Your local council or community health centre will have information about exercise groups that operate in your area.
Aim to build up to at least 30 minutes of exercise every day. This can be broken down throughout the day. If you do two lots of 15 minutes of exercise in a day, you will still receive the benefits.
It is generally safe to exercise after a stroke however it is a good idea to speak with your doctor prior to starting an exercise program. Consult a physiotherapist if you have difficulties walking, or if you have balance problems or a history of falls. A physiotherapist can tailor an exercise program to suit your needs, abilities and interests. You can also see an exercise physiologist to have an assessment and create a personal exercise plan based on your current level and goals. Many community health centres and fitness centres have an exercise physiologist.
It helps you get better from a stroke.
It can also make it less likely you will have another stroke.
Exercise can:
- improve your heart health
- improve blood pressure
- reduce stress, anxiety and depression
- give you more energy
- help control weight.
Types of exercise
The most important thing is to find a type of exercise you really enjoy.
This will keep you motivated and consistent.
You could try:
- walking
- riding a bike
- going to the gym
- swimming
- yoga
- tai chi.
Try making a deal with a friend or family member to exercise together.
You could also join a local exercise group.
How often?
Try to do at least 30 minutes every day.
You can break this up during the day.
If you do two lots of 15 minutes, you still receive the benefits.
Who can help?
Most people can exercise safely after a stroke.
Talk to your general practitioner before starting an exercise program.
A physiotherapist can help if you have trouble walking.
They can also help if you are worried about falling.
Many community health centres and fitness centres have an exercise physiologist.
An exercise physiologist can give you a personal exercise program.
Resources
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Move more after stroke (i-Rebound) pdf Move more after stroke (i-Rebound)
Find exercise routines designed with stroke survivors. Most exercises are suitable for people with stroke affected arm or leg.
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The Healthy Brain Program pdf The Healthy Brain Program
Community education and research from the Brain Foundation, to help Australians keep their brains healthy into old age. Learn how to reduce your risks and boost your protective factors.
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Physiotherapy exercises pdf Physiotherapy exercises
A free tool for customising and creating your own booklet containing an exercise program for injuries and disabilities. (Opens in a new window)
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Living Longer Living Stronger pdf Living Longer Living Stronger
Strength or resistance training involves using weights to build muscle strength and endurance, and regain an independent and active lifestyle. This is a an initiative for people over 50 from the Victorian Council on the Ageing.
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Life program pdf Life program
The Life! program is a free Victorian lifestyle modification program that helps you reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
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Heart Foundation Walking pdf Heart Foundation Walking
Join Australia’s largest FREE community-based walking network! Make regular physical activity enjoyable and easy by joining a walking group or by tracking your progress online.
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Find an occupational therapist pdf Find an occupational therapist
Occupational therapists are health professionals that help people participate in the activities of everyday life. This directory lists members of Occupational Therapy Australia (OTA) who work in private practice. (Opens in a new window)
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Choose physio pdf Choose physio
This website from the Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) provides information about physiotherapy and the conditions that physiotherapists treat. It also includes a simple Find A Physio function.
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Ageing with vitality pdf Ageing with vitality
A guide from the Queensland Government to make being healthy and active fun. It includes tips, simple step-by-step instructions and photographs of everyday activities and exercises for strength, balance, flexibility and endurance. (Opens in a new window)
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Aerobic exercise after stroke: patient's guide (PDF) pdf Aerobic exercise after stroke: patient's guide (PDF)
Exercise recommendations for people at any point in their recovery from stroke, to help you better perform everyday activities, such as walking, moving around your home and community, climbing stairs, eating, personal care, and dressing.
Ask a question
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Should I see a Physiotherapist or an Exercise Physiologist?
Jamie
Jamie Stroke Foundation Victoria
5 Comments
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How soon after stroke should you be engaging in exercise and how much is a good…
Melissah
Melissah Stroke Foundation
1 Comment
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How much exercise could a I do 4-5 weeks after stroke?
Anonymous
Anonymous Stroke Foundation
2 Comments
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Why does my husband get sick after working out or from emotionally charged…
Anonymous
Anonymous Stroke Foundation
2 Comments
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Is it recommended to do weights post-stroke?
Dee
Dee Stroke Foundation
5 Comments
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Can anyone tell me when I can commence excercise such as going for walks etc?
Anonymous
Anonymous Stroke Foundation
1 Comment
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Is it ok to have massage and acupuncture after a stroke
Recovery17
Recovery17 Stroke Foundation
1 Comment
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How can I relieve stiffness/discomfort in my joints and muscles?
Katrina
Katrina Stroke Foundation New South Wales
1 Comment
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When I move, spasticity is a constant source of discomfort and frustration. But…
DavidLuxton
DavidLuxton Stroke Foundation Queensland
1 Comment
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What stroke recovery videos are available for people with spasticity?
Anonymous
Anonymous Stroke Foundation
1 Comment
Forums
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Survivors in sports
Friday, June 21 2024, 6.04am
3 post(s)
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Walking Football (soccer)
Saturday, May 11 2024, 11.34pm
1 post(s)
Walking Football & 0 otherWalking Football
Walking Football Stroke Foundation New South Wales
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Tai Chi for the stroke survivor by a stroke survivor.
Saturday, March 02 2024, 1.23am
8 post(s)
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Fit 4 Me After Stroke Research Project
Thursday, September 08 2022, 10.59pm
1 post(s)
Natalie Fini & 0 otherNatalie Fini
Natalie Fini Stroke Foundation
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Research study on Exercise Adherence (the ACTnow study)
Friday, June 17 2022, 2.09am
1 post(s)
Tamina Levy & 0 otherTamina Levy
Tamina Levy Stroke Foundation Victoria
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What is your opinion about exercise after stroke?
Friday, November 19 2021, 12.14am
2 post(s)
Sharon & 0 otherSharon
Sharon Stroke Foundation Victoria
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Free webinar on staying active during and after lockdown
Wednesday, October 06 2021, 3.09am
1 post(s)
Chris Lassig & 0 otherChris Lassig
Chris Lassig Stroke Foundation Victoria
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What helps or prevents people doing physical activity after rehabilitation?
Thursday, April 22 2021, 8.34am
1 post(s)
Serena MacLeod & 0 otherSerena MacLeod
Serena MacLeod Stroke Foundation International
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Yoga in Vic??
Wednesday, November 06 2019, 4.33am
6 post(s)
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Young Stroke Survivors in SA - Yoga sessions run by professionals with therapists to help with modifications to attend group classes without shame or embarrassment
Friday, October 04 2019, 12.34am
4 post(s)
saran_c_19012013 & 2 otherssaran_c_19012013
saran_c_19012013 Stroke Foundation South Australia
Jenni
Jenni Stroke Foundation South Australia
Videos
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7 Steps to Stroke Recovery Exercise and Mobility 10:44
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2 Months of Intensive Stroke Recovery Training 2:30
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Wii-based Movement Therapy for stroke rehabilitation 4:05
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Weight Bearing Affected Side 0:54
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Walking Stick Statue of Liberty Stretch Alternative 1:04
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Walking Stick Skiiing Alternative Stretch 1:10
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Walking Stick Side to Side 0:45
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Walking Stick Side Extension 1:10
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Walking Stick Shoulder Rotation 0:46
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Walking Stick Push Side 0:47
Goals
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Walk around the block twice a week.
FrancesP
FrancesP Stroke Foundation
0 Comments
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Go for a walk two times a week for improved health and function.
KBee
KBee Stroke Foundation
0 Comments
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I want to improve my physical condition and lose weight.
John
John Stroke Foundation Queensland
0 Comments
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I want to get the desire to exercise which helps me physically and emotionally.
Audrey Owens
Audrey Owens Stroke Foundation International
2 Comments
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Bowl a lawn bowl.
Roline
Roline Stroke Foundation Queensland
0 Comments
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I want to running 10km.
Manoj
Manoj Stroke Foundation
0 Comments
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I want to walk down to the beach with my family and walk my dog at the park.
Sha.c80
Sha.c80 Stroke Foundation Western Australia
0 Comments
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I would like to continued my dream to live happy and peace in mind. I intended to talk to my brain, now and while I am a life
Niz
Niz Stroke Foundation New South Wales
0 Comments
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I want to use the exercycle 5x per week.
Sue*99999*
Sue*99999* Stroke Foundation International
0 Comments
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2,000 steps
J
J Stroke Foundation
0 Comments
Blogs
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My recovery is a long game - By Rob Mazzone
3 comments
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The Great Vacuum Cleaner Showdown
3 comments
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Finding Strength in Recovery: My Journey Back to the Saddle
3 comments
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Bob's 50 for 50
1 comments
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Using virtual reality to support my rehab - By Yvonne
3 comments
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Walking has changed my life - By Arthur Shaw
0 comments
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All Abilities Golf Day
0 comments
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Glenn has just played his first round of accessible golf
4 comments
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It has been 21 years since my stroke
3 comments
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Get back on the course with Empower Golf (accessible golf tech)
0 comments