Exercise

[Gill007]

Hi . I'm confused about exercising with hypothyroidism. Is it bad to exercise ? I'm hearing different things and not sure what's the best thing to do . I try and walk briskly for an hour everyday and I'm planning a couple of classes at the gym . Will this make me feel worse ? Any advise would be appreciated . Thanks

[whispers60]

I find most days for me, walking is fine, but it knackers me if I do gym at the moment as my levels are all over the place again. It depends on how you feel in yourself and as long as everything is optimal just go with what your own body tells you

[ColinK]

I think if you are on Levo and its working fine, then you will probably be OK (I was), but now I'm on T3 I just wear out to fast.

[silverfox7]

Just. E kind to yourself and start with gentle walking and if after several days no issues then try increasing a little. If we are seriously undermedicated then too much really wipes us out and it's not always instand return to feeling better either so only you can gauge how your body is doing on this, it's what you are comfortable with

[Treepie]

After an hour in the garden I am exhausted but find after 10/15 mins I can do a steady walk.

[Northie]

I have continued doing weights and other things since becoming hypothyroid. The only thing I have cut back on is the cardio which does make me feel tired. I have adjusted downwards and do cardio in a different way, and cut out some on certain days.

I also listen to my body more now, whereas before I just ploughed on.

You can still do stuff, but listen to your bod and adjust.

This is based on my personal experience and I know everyone is different so wouldn't like to "tell you" how it is but that's what I did as I do powerlifting stuff so it took me a while to figure it all out.

Wishing you luck and many good days ahead.

[Blairer]

I am 64 and on 5mcg levo per day. I run daily, lift 30kg weights, swim (water aerobics) and also do yoga three times a week. If I don't exercise I feel lethargic. Lactic acid build up is normal when you exercise - stretching regularly alleviates this. I also ensure I walk at least 5,000 steps daily. I cannot recommend exercise enough.

[greygoose in reply to Blairer]

5 mcg levo per day?

[HLAB35 in reply to Blairer]

Hi Blairer, Such an incredibly low dose! The lowest starting dose is usually 25 mcg. Fair play if you're able to do all this stuff, but were you ever on more than 5 mcg??

[HLAB35]

As long as I do what my body's used to I don't get much payback...so manageable walks, a bit of cycling, gardening (must be primed up with some stretches beforehand). Flopping out after strenuous exercise is a bit self-defeating. Even just running around after family and getting chores done can count as beneficial exercise. In the 50's, women were really quite fit, yet they never went to the gym. I think the main thing is to not spend too much time completely stationary. Going to a gym's probably fine if you start off with short sessions, so your body can acclimatise. It'll probably be quite fun..

[pinkjess17]

If you feel ok after exercise and a few days after, then I would go with that. If you feel more fatigued and worn out cut it back to a level where you feel ok. You do not want to lower free t3 too much by over doing it.