Exercise for RLS?

[LanaCSR]

I see a lot of people talking about how exercise has improved their RLS. I have always heard that some exercise is good for it but too much is bad for it. I don't do any kind of routine exercising, but I have noticed that after being on my feet for an extended period of time, even as little as an hour or so walking around the grocery store, my RLS is really bad. So I don't know how much exercise and what type I should attempt. For those of you who are doing some form of exercise and are noticing an improvement in their RLS symptoms, could you please share what works for you so I can get some ideas on what I can do?

[wilabozo]

By far the best exercise for my RLS are sit-ups, followed by push ups (on my knees). Somehow the sit-ups put all the focus on my abdomen, then the push ups get the blood circulating nicely in the feet. Feels so good focusing on my feet during the push ups.

[hausbauer]

I read on this forum about stretching exercises.

So before going to bed I do a few with each leg. When I wake up during the night, either with feeling RLS coming or going to the toilet, I do a few simple exercises and I think they help.

[BJamn]

I am an American 58 year old semi retired male with moderate RLS. I workout almost everyday at a local gym. Lately it seems that on days I increase my cardio (especially the rowing machine) my RLS is worse. For the past several weeks I have been walking on the treadmill at maximum incline to get my heart rate up. This seems to have little effect on my RLS (meaning it doesn’t give me issues) Most of my time is spent lifting free weights. I also make time to sit in the hot spa (jacuzzi) at the end of the workout.

Like others on this forum, when an RLS attack comes on I can lessen it by stretching my calves and thighs.

God Bless

BJ

[funnyfennel]

I find leg stretches good too. Either up on tiptoes and down or stretching the hamstrings by pushing leg out behind and rocking onto heel (holding onto convenient worktop !