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 P3 exercises without clearance from your physician.
At this level, complete 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity spread out over the week. For example, walk at a brisk pace or jog continuously for 30 minutes on 5 different days.
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 3 to 4 sessions each week.
For each exercise, start with 2 sets of 10 repetitions each. Gradually increase to 3 sets of 15 repetitions.
Once this is achieved, increase the weight or resistance and begin anew with 2 sets of 10 repetitions.
While completing these exercises, aim to reach and maintain between 3 to 5 on the Borg Scale – breathing moderately but can still talk.
At P3, complete all 7 exercises listed. Allow 24 hours between each of these sessions so the muscles can recover. Can alternate between upper and lower exercise sessions if you wish to exercise every day.
At P3, the weights should be more than 3 lbs each. Remember to increase the weight slowly to prevent injury.
(upper body)
(upper body)
Make sure to have someone holding the chair or support. Otherwise use an immovable support like a park bench or car/truck bumper. (upper body)
Use a banding with a higher resistance than in P2. (lower body)
Use a banding with a higher resistance than in P2. (lower body)
Can use one or two legs . If using two legs, increasing the resistance of the banding. (lower body)
At P3, the weights should be more than 3 lbs each. (include with either the upper or lower body exercise sessions)
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 Intro (performed while standing) and P2.
Complete 1 set of 10 steps with 3 repetitions at least twice a week. Increase the number of steps as you improve.
Make sure to have access to a wall or railing in case of unsteadiness.
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.
Place the heel of one foot in front of the other so that the heal touches the toes. Now, walk in a straight line as far as you can go.
Aerobic: Over 5 different days, complete 30 minutes of aerobic exercise for a weekly total of 150 minutes.
Muscle strengthening: On 3 or 4 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.
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