Types of Exercise and Movement for Graves’ Disease
There is no single best workout for everyone with Graves’ disease. The right routine depends on your thyroid levels, symptoms, and fitness level.
Walking and Light Cardio
Once your doctor says it’s safe to be physically active, walking can be a great first step into returning to exercise. “It can be shortened, slowed down, or done indoors if heat intolerance is still an issue,” says Lashin.
Light aerobic fitness exercises, such as an easy session on a stationary bike, may also help slowly rebuild cardiovascular tolerance after Graves’ disease is controlled, he says.
The key word is “slowly.” Hyperthyroidism can raise resting heart rate and affect how the heart responds during exercise. Higher resting and recovery heart rates, and thyroid dysfunction can affect physical activity through the cardiovascular, metabolic, neuromuscular, and musculoskeletal systems.
Light Resistance Training and Yoga
Graves’ disease can leave muscles weaker and more easily fatigued, especially if hyperthyroidism has been active for a while.
“Muscles become weaker and fatigued because they’ve been overworked, even at rest,” says Lashin.
Once thyroid levels are controlled, light resistance training can help rebuild strength without the strain of heavy lifting. This might include resistance bands, light hand weights, weight machines at a low setting, or body-weight exercises such as sit-to-stands.
“Do not jump into high-intensity training or heavy weight lifting: Go light,” he says.
Yoga may also be helpful for some people. In addition to helping with strength and balance, it can also help with stress, anxiety, depression, and quality of life.
Swimming
“Swimming slowly is a good option for exercise when you have Graves’ disease,” says Lashin.
It’s a good cardiovascular workout and the water may help keep you cool. “That can be helpful for people dealing with heat intolerance,” he says.
If swimming laps aren’t your thing, water aerobics can offer many of the same benefits.
Exercise Isn’t Recommended for Uncontrolled Graves’ Disease
When Graves’ disease is uncontrolled, Lashin says even mild activity may be too much for some people.
“Certain mild exercises, like a light walk or some stretching are okay for most people, but beyond that, I would caution against any kind of more challenging exercise until the medical condition is addressed,” he says.
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