For those living with cirrhosis, please review the medical disclaimer presented on the “Exercise in Cirrhosis” webpage.
This exercise program is intended to be completed with the knowledge of your physician to exercise at this advanced level.
For individuals with other chronic diseases, please consult your physician before engaging in this program. Do not complete level P1 exercises without clearance from your physician.
Include 5 days of aerobic activity each week, for a total time of 150 minutes per week.
As in INTRO, take short 1 minute rests as needed and work toward continuously exercising for the entire session.
The goal is to reach and maintain between 3 to 5 on the Borg Scale – breathing stronger but can carry on a conversation.
Aim to complete 2 to 3 sessions each week.
Alternate between the different exercises for the upper and lower body. At P1, include 4 to 5 exercises each session.
For each exercise, start with 2 sets of 10 repetitions each. Gradually increase to 3 sets of 15 repetitions.
While completing these exercises, aim to reach and maintain between 3 to 5 on the Borg Scale – breathing moderately but can still talk.
(upper body)
(upper body)
(upper body)
(lower body)
Can use a scarf, belt, or a plastic bags knotted together instead of a towel. (lower body)
(lower body)
Stand with your back almost touching a wall. Slowly move down to a squatting position and then return to a standing position. Keep your back straight and head up. This “squat” is similar to the Intro level’s Chair Sit-to-Stand exercise.
Complete 1 set of 3 repetitions held for 20 to 30 seconds each. Hold the stretch until there is a slight discomfort. Avoid overstretching.
Perform at least two Flexibility sessions each week. These can be part of the cool down after a Muscle Strengthening session, combined with a Balance session, or completed on its own..
Include stretches from the Intro level but do these while standing.
To get a better stretch of the muscles, do this while standing. Use a chair for balance as necessary.
Complete 1 set of 3 repetitions at least twice a week.
If confident of your stability and balance, can try this without holding onto a support. Make sure to have it within easy reach though in case of loss of balance!
A Balance session can be used as the cool down following a Muscle Strengthening session, can be combined with a Flexibility session, or completed on its own depending upon your schedule.
Make sure to have a chair nearby!
Aerobic: Over 5 different days, complete 150 minutes of aerobic exercise. Remember to take rests as needed!
Muscle strengthening: On 2 or 3 days each week, do 2 sets of 10 repetitions of each of the following exercises:
Flexibility: On 2 different days, perform all stretches 2-3 times lasting 20-30 seconds on each side.
Balance: On 2 different days, perform 3 repetitions of 10 steps each.
Move the body the same as this video but do not sit on the chair! Alternatively, can do this with your back near to a wall without a chair.
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