Working out, mobility and staying active with beta thalassaemia
Keeping moving on a regular basis has many advantages for everyone, not just beta thalassaemia patients. Staying active can help you keep healthy even with beta thalassaemia and can increase your level of happiness and therefore your quality of life.1,2 However, the symptoms of beta thalassaemia can have an impact on what exercise and workouts are feasible for you. As someone with beta thalassaemia major, you should bear in mind that your physical capacity might not be quite as good as that of people without thalassaemia.3 In the days leading up to a blood transfusion in particular, you will likely feel less energy and will get tired more quickly. This is because you already have a lower level of red blood cells at that time – i.e. you are anaemic – which means that your muscles do not receive enough oxygen when you are working out. You shouldn't let your condition hold you back, though. Simply select an activity or a sport that is good for you and your health and that leaves you with a positive feeling. Find something that works with your current fitness level and is fun for you.


Ask your doctor and your treatment team how you can incorporate more movement into your everyday life and what types of exercise and sports might be right for you. If you need tips on the types of workout that beta thalassaemia patients can benefit from, check out a patient organisation. Other patients can share their experiences with you there, maybe even making you aware of new types of exercise you didn't know about, and telling you how they get through the "slump" days.

The advantages of sport and exercise

If you stay active regularly, you will keep your heart and body healthy and strengthen your bones. This is, of course, true for everybody, whether they have beta thalassaemia or not. The important thing is that you take your own special requirements into consideration. The iron overload caused by the frequent transfusions can impair your heart function.2 Other conditions you may have in addition to beta thalassaemia could also limit the choice of sports. One thing is certain, though: sport can be an excellent opportunity to get to know new people. You might also find out that regular workouts and improved fitness make you more self-confident. In addition, regular activity or exercise can release happiness hormones that put you in a good mood.1
Tips to start working out – and to stick with it actively!
The first step is always the hardest – but once you have taken it, staying active can make you happier than ever. You might find it hard at first to incorporate exercise into your everyday routine. Perhaps the tiredness caused by your anaemia robs you of your energy. Or perhaps you simply don't have the time.
These three tips can help you to overcome some of these challenges:

1. Build exercise into your everyday routine gradually
Any type of movement is good for your body. You can walk short distances or try to cycle to school, work, or for your errands. Try taking the stairs instead of the lift or escalator, or do something outside with friends or family. You can also easily count your daily steps using your smartphone, and try to reach a few more each day.
Even small changes can have a big impact!
2. Take small steps
Start slowly and build up your exercise gradually to help your body get used to the new effort. The same applies if you haven't been very well recently and couldn't do any exercise for a while. Make sure to relax if you are out of breath or feel nauseous or weak, and don't do exercise when you're unwell. A gentle walk is a good way to keep moving in this case.
Always warm up before working out and take the time to cool down again afterwards.
3. Find the right sport for you
Look for a type of sport that works with your condition. It doesn't matter whether you are looking for something with low or high intensity – your treatment team will definitely have some tips up their sleeves.
Make sure to talk to other beta thalassaemia patients as well, to find out how they stay active. Representatives from the DEGETHA patient organisation can give you good advice. Don't be shy – everybody there knows these situations and will be happy to help.
Before starting a new activity, you should talk to your doctor to make sure that the activity in question is suitable for you.

Get in touch with patient organisations and/or other patients so you can discuss possible activities for you. It is not just the type of exercise that matters, but also the right amount of movement for your body. Try out a range of activities until you find one that suits you.

Have fun when staying active with beta thalassaemia!
It's all about striking the right balance. The activity you choose, whether it is simply keeping moving or a more intense sport, must be fun for you and must also work with your condition and lifestyle. Think about what feels good and talk about your workouts often with your treatment team. You should also not be afraid to boast a little about your progress!

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