Here’s something people struggle with: working out with varicose veins. Well, there’s a lot of misinformation about whether you can or cannot work out with varicose veins, we’re here to tell you that a varicose vein work out is perfectly safe and perfectly healthy.
In case you still aren’t sure, let’s go over the tips, tricks, and facts.
Varicose Vein Work Out, the Safe and Healthy Way
The number one reason people with varicose veins avoid working out is because they’re afraid the already painful vein disease will only get worse. This can unfortunately lead to the unhealthy decision to cut out work outs completely.
Working out should always be on the agenda, since it has so many benefits that you just can’t get from other tasks. It doesn’t have to be anything extreme, since even going on a walk can be considered a work out.
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Walking
While walking is by no means the most intense work out you can get, it’s the bare minimum and has a lot of benefits on its own. For starters, here are some ways it can benefit you:
- Improves circulation
- Improves mood
- Improves sleep
- Improves brain power
- Lowers leg pain
That last one may be surprising to people, since people attribute walking with sore legs. The reality is that working out is one of the best ways to reduce pain. A little bit of exercise gets the blood flowing and muscles stretched out, which can actually be really soothing.
The strengthening of leg muscles really helps circulation especially, which can ultimately benefit your leg circulation—one of the best ways to treat vein disease.
Biking
Biking is another simple way to work out while combatting your varicose veins. It’s easy and fun! There’s also no better way to get the blood flowing and the circulation improved than biking.
It also helps out that calf muscle, the one that greatly benefits your veins more than any other muscle. If a varicose vein work out is your priority, biking is a good thing to try out.
Raises and lifts
Similar to biking, calf raises and lifts are good ways to get that blood pumping while getting in shape. Calf raises focus entirely on the calves so you can get the blood flowing at peak levels.
All you have to do is stand up straight with your legs parallel to each other; rise onto your tiptoes; and then slowly lower back down. It’s an easy work out that will get your calves built and healthy!
The Wrong Way
Running
Running, as opposed to walking, can actually be quite detrimental to your varicose veins. Even though running has greater overall benefits than walking, the amount of strain and pressure it puts on your legs just isn’t worth it if you have varicose veins. You should consider varicose vein treatment with Las Vegas Vein Center before running.
If your vein issues aren’t serious, you can probably handle a light jog and not suffer the consequences.
Lifting weights
Pumping iron is a good way to pump blood through those veins—however, it can be pretty painful if you have varicose veins. On top of that, there are several other setbacks.
If you feel lifting weights is a necessity in your workout, opt out for lighter weights and practice proper lifting techniques that will ensure absolute safety.
Overall, if you’re planning on doing a varicose vein workout, play it safe and don’t over do it. If you know something will cause you pain, don’t bother doing it until you are absolutely sure you can handle it. Talk to your vein specialist first before doing anything.