One of the most common symptoms of hypothyroidism is extreme fatigue. This can make exercising next to impossible, and when you are so tired, it is probably the last thing you would think about doing. However, exercise brings a ton of health benefits so whether you suffer from hypothyroidism or not, it is important to keep the body moving. In this post, I am going to share the five best exercises for hypothyroidism so that you can stay in shape and give your body the energy boost it needs.
#1 Yoga
Yoga is one of my favorite forms of exercise, and I often recommend it to my patients. Yoga is a gentle yet effective way to tone your body while also reducing stress. I also love yoga because there are many variations and you can choose what works best for you. If you are suffering from hypothyroidism and fatigue is one of your primary concerns then restorative yoga is a great choice.
#2 Pilates
If you are looking for something a little more challenging, Pilates may be the way to go. Pilates is great because you focus on your breathing and many of the exercises require you to use your own body weight to tone instead of using weights. This is great for anyone with hypothyroidism as it is low impact.
#3 Cycling
Whether you decide to take a cycling class or you get on your bike, cycling is a great form of exercise to help keep you in shape when you have hypothyroidism. Cycling is ideal because it is lower impact than other types of cardiovascular workouts and it is also much easier on the joints. Try signing up for a low impact cycling class and go at your own pace or get outside on a nice day for a bike ride to get your heart rate up.
#4 Brisk Walking
Walking is an excellent form of exercise, and it is one of the easiest. The great thing about walking is that you can set your own pace. If you are feeling up to it, pick up the pace for a nice brisk walk. If you need to slow things down, you can! There are no rules here other than just getting up and getting some movement into your day.
#5 Strength Training
Strength training is good for muscle toning, and it doesn’t have to be high impact. You can use light weights that work for you and incorporate it into your workout schedule a couple of times per week. Building strength is important so as long as you are feeling up to it. Try using some resistance bands or very light hand weights during your next workout.
Why Exercise is Important for Hypothyroidism
So, what is it about exercise that makes it important for hypothyroidism? First and foremost, exercise is an important part of an overall healthy lifestyle. Our bodies were designed to move and not sit at a desk all day. With that being said, having a thyroid condition can cause fatigue which can make exercise a challenge. However, getting just a little bit of activity in per day may actually help boost energy levels. Not only that, but adding some exercise to your routine is a step in helping control blood sugar levels. Balancing blood sugar is an essential step in controlling hypothyroidism. Thyroid function is very dependent on normal blood sugar as frequent insulin spikes can lead to inflammation of the thyroid. When there is a blood sugar imbalance, it can cause issues for not only the thyroid but the gut and brain as well which in turn affects the entire body. It’s a vicious cycle, so it is important to balance blood sugar through a wholesome and balanced diet but also with light exercise as well.
Exercise is also an excellent way to naturally reduce stress which is an essential part of managing hypothyroidism. Taking care of your body is more than just taking care of yourself physically. It is essential to take care of your emotional health as well.
Exercise is great for the whole body and important for thyroid health as it can help boost the metabolism, increase mood, and reduce stress. Try one of these five types of exercise and see how it makes you feel. However, be sure to check with a medical professional before you begin any exercise program. If you are interested in finding a plan that is specifically tailored to you and want to talk about the benefits of adding exercise into your life and how to do it, contact me here.
Bonus Tip
If you have Hashimoto’s or another thyroid disease, I recommend reading and following the recommendations in my book, The 30-Day Thyroid Reset Plan: Disarming the 7 Hidden Triggers That are Keeping You Sick. You will learn everything you need to know about thyroid disease. I offer a 30-day plan to improve your health and my favorite thyroid-friendly recipes to nourish your body with delicious meals.
Final Thoughts
Extreme fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of Hashimoto’s and other thyroid problems. It may be surprising, but exercise can actually help your thyroid health and increase your energy. Follow my tips and try the exercises I recommend to improve your well-being.
If you are dealing with symptoms of Hashimoto’s disease or other thyroid issues, I invite you to schedule a consultation with me. I can help to identify the root cause of your condition and recommend a personalized treatment plan to repair your body and regain your health and well-being. Schedule your consultation here.
