Ensuring Your Safety and Comfort

If you feel safe and comfortable while exercising, you are more likely to enjoy your workouts. You also have a better chance of maintaining your exercise program. Following the guidelines below can help ensure your safety and comfort. If you have any questions, be sure to ask your therapist. Dressing Right for Exercise When dressing for exercise, it’s best to wear loose-fitting clothes. Put on layers, so you can take something off if you get hot. Always wear shoes that fit well and are designed for exercise. When it’s cool outside, wear a hat to retain your body heat. Protect your eyes and skin from sun with a wide-brimmed hat or visor and sunscreen. Exercising Safely Following a few guidelines can help you exercise safely. Exercise indoors on hot, cold, humid, or windy days, or when the air outdoors is polluted. You can do this at our clinic (drop in fee of $10), shopping mall or community gym. Drink plenty of water before and after exercise. And take frequent breaks for water during exercise. If you take medication for angina, always carry it with you. If you have Diabetes • Talk with your physiotherapist before staring an exercise program. • Eat 1 to 2 hours before exercise. Carry a glucose tablet or a snack. If you have low blood sugar symptoms, take the tablets or eat your snack. • Carry a medical ID card or wear a medical alert bracelet that says you have diabetes. • Check your blood sugar before and after exercise. Don’t exercise of your blood sugar is above 13.3 mmol. • Wear shoes that fit well and seamless cotton socks. • After exercise, check your feet for sores, blisters, and spots that are red and tender.