Can you exercise with low blood pressure?

Is low blood pressure stopping you from working out? No pressure. We ask the experts the key to working out without a drop in blood pressure.

Fitness Expert with BCUBE Jivesh Shetty and Dr. Rajesh Meena, Consultant in Internal Medicine clear your doubts on exercising with blood pressure and give you guidelines to follow to avoid complications.

Normal BP is 120/80(systolic/diastolic)

Jivesh breaks down the fitness tips for beginners and advanced trainees. "For novice trainees, before starting any kind of training they must begin slowly and perform at only 60-70% of the maximum ability." He adds, "Peripheral blood supply to muscles could be low and cause weakness, dizziness. They must ensure to drink plenty of water."

Keep in mind that "For long duration runs or endurance activities low BP may cause poor blood flow to brain, heart, lungs taking breaks in between will be beneficial without overexerting," says Jivesh.

We jump to advanced trainees. Jivesh explains: "For more experienced trainees, their body has adapted to a lower BP. Intermittent bouts of maximal lifting or endurance and cardiovascular training will in fact improve adaptation. Most experienced trainees actually will have a naturally low BP."

He leaves us with an important benefit of fitness: "It is important to note that training in fact helps regulate BP. Be it hypotensive or hypertensive one must train but listen to their body. Beginners may need to work out under the supervision of an alert trainer to observe any signs of weakness or dizziness."

From a fitness trainer to a specialist from the medical field, Dr. Rajesh from Moolchand Medcity sets some guidelines for people with low blood pressure:

- Discuss exercise with your doctor before you hit the gym.
- Some exercises such as walking, strengthening exercises, and exercises that can be done while seated are okay.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Be sure to clear cardiac checkup before any workout as valva damage patients can collapse during workouts.
- If BP is low, do not workout without medical clearance.
- Immediately consult your doctor if you are feeling dizzy, lightheaded or nauseous, while exercising.

Lastly, he encourages that you take your medication along with a healthy diet. Dr. Rajesh says, "Low BP is generally accompanied with certain causes like diabetes or low hemoglobin where patient is required to follow proper medication as prescribed by the doctor. However one should make sure to stay well hydrated before, during and after workout to avoid the symptoms of low BP."

If you thought low blood pressure would be an hindrance to fitness, well think again. Fitness and exercise can maintain your blood pressure.