Living with a long-term health condition can really dent your confidence when it comes to exercise. Juggling daily life with appointments as well as pain and fatigue can push it down to the bottom of your to-do list. However, being more active, even for a few minutes a day, can really help with pain management, energy levels and general wellbeing.

The best news is you don’t even need to leave your home or purchase special kit. We have loads of  online exercise videos available, completely free.

Tips for getting started

• Wear comfortable clothing
• Ensure you’ve cleared sufficient space
• Avoid the slippery floor and sock combination
• Make sure you have water to hydrate
• Go at own pace – don’t try to keep up with the person on screen if its not a comfortable pace for you
• Don’t be afraid to only do part of a video and build it up over time
• Make sure you have something to hold on to if you struggle with balance

Always talk to your doctor before you start a new exercise routine. Listen to your body and stop if you get tired or experience pain. Take it easy and build up to more strenuous activities.

Exercises for MS

Pilates is great for strength building and muscle tone. The MS Society has created a series of Pilates exercise videos specifically for people with MS and suitable for all mobility levels. These seated and standing videos are a great introduction to the programme.

If you’re looking to work on your balance and stability, these simple exercises can really help. In these videos, Dom, Koz and Samia while they demonstrate some simple leg exercises that help teach you how to stabilise your body for better balance.

For low impact exercise, lying down on the floor can be really helpful. These exercises will help with strength and tone for both beginners and more advanced participants with no worry about balance or falling.

Exercises for Diabetes

Being physically active is an important part of your diabetes management plan. While it can be hard to get started, these simple exercises don’t require any special equipment or even leaving the home and can be fitted into your daily routine.

For those days when you want to be active but need something a little less intense, these seated exercises are perfect. This easy-to-follow video will guide you through movements to help raise your heart rate and help with strength and tone.

Something that can really put you off exercise is pain. Particularly in your feet. If you’re experiencing foot and ankle pain, these exercises can help alleviate it and get you up and moving again.

Exercises for Cardiac Rehab

Exercising when recovering from a heart condition can be daunting. You may be concerned about being too energetic or feel too fatigued to even think about exercise. However, the British Heart Foundation have put together a series of programmes to help you get moving at a comfortable pace.

When living with a heart condition, some days you will feel too tired to do a full exercise routine. The British Heart Foundation have also developed this seated exercise video so that you can still move your body without it being too strenuous.

Exercises for Arthritis

Feeling stiff and sore can really put you off exercise. However, moving more can help alleviate some of those symptoms. Physical Therapists Bob Schrupp and Brad Heineck have collected their 10 best exercises for rheumatoid arthritis to help keep you active.

If you’re looking for something a little more energetic, Rosalie Brown from Rosalie Brown’s Fitness Club has you covered. Here she shares some fun and effective warm up and strength exercises for arthritis sufferers.

Exercises for Cancer

The Lifestyle Medicine Program at the Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center recommends an exercise program for cancer patients and survivors, based on baseline fitness, personal goals, and cancer therapy to minimize side effects, prevent loss of function, and improve long-term outcomes. Enjoy this light intensity exercise routine for every level and ability, with modifications shown along the way.

For something a little more fun, this dance exercise routing is sure to get you boogying to the beat. Dance is a fantastic way to exercise and is something that everyone can join in! Go at your own pace and make it as intense or gentle as you need it to be.

Exercises for Stroke

The best way to improve balance after stroke is with core exercises. This video will lead you through a series of exercises to help build strength and tone which will support your in your recovery.

Guided by Liliana, this exercise routine focused on your legs will help improve mobility, build strength and support you as you recover from a stroke.

Find out more

Active My Way On Demand has loads more of these exercises and routines for other health conditions. Discover new ways to stay active today!

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