Acquired brain injury (NAH) is damage to the brain that occurs after birth. It can have various causes, such as an accident, a brain tumor or cerebral infarction, or cardiac arrest. In the Netherlands alone, as many as 140,000 people are affected by some form of brain injury every year. The complaints are unique for everyone and vary from mild to very serious. Do you still want to exercise – and are you still able to do so – but are you unsure about what is and is not possible? In this blog we tell you how exercise can help you improve your health.
Exercise after brain injury
It can be quite exciting to start exercising again after a brain injury. Still, it's a good idea. Regular exercise has many benefits for your health. You improve your fitness, make your muscles stronger and it helps you feel better about yourself.
Suitable exercise activities
There are various exercise activities that may be suitable after a brain injury. Think of walking, cycling and swimming, but also specific exercises aimed at balance, coordination and strength. You can of course do this alone, but also in a group. Exercise in groups not only brings physical benefits, but also social benefits. By exercising with others, you can make new friends and share experiences. Exchanging tips and ideas with fellow sufferers can also be very inspiring.
Tips for sports and exercise after a stroke (CVA)
If you want to continue exercising and exercising after a brain injury, there are a few important tips to keep in mind. Choose activities that you enjoy and that suit your capabilities. Build up the duration, intensity and frequency gradually to avoid overload. Try to be active on more days a week and take a rest day every now and then.
Brain injury in practice
Femke (56 years old) suffered a severe cerebral infarction two years ago: 'I was in top condition and had received great compliments from the sports medicine doctor just a month before my infarction. Yet I suffered a cerebral infarction. I was allowed to go home after three days in hospital. 'Without residual symptoms' was stated on the discharge letter. In practice this was somewhat disappointing. I had a lot of loss of strength on the affected (left) side and have had foot drop on that side ever since. Thanks to personal guidance and adapted training, I now have equal strength on both sides and my foot functions much better. Yet I still have a preference for cycling. I will probably never be able to run again, but thanks to my sporty lifestyle I feel super fit again.'
Personal guidance and customized training
At Happy Bodies we understand that personal guidance and customized training can be essential if you are dealing with a brain injury. Thanks to our unique concept, anyone can train with us. The innovative Milon circle helps you move safely and efficiently and strengthen your muscles and our coaches have all undergone extensive training and have years of experience in the profession. They can advise you on which movements are most suitable for you and what you should pay attention to during activities. Together with you, they ensure that you can enjoy exercising again and that your health improves.
Knowing more?
Curious how you can achieve sustainable results by training only twice for 35 minutes every ten days, under the guidance of your own personal lifestyle coach? Even if you have physical complaints? Then do the membership test and sign up for a free personal introductory meeting and tour of the club. Want to bet that you are immediately sold?
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