If you’re a weight lifter, you know how great weight training can be for your body. Weight lifters are among the healthiest people in the country, and for good reason. Lifting weights is an effective tool for burning fat, toning the body, and keeping the blood flowing. However, healthy blood flow isn’t always the result with weight lifting, especially for serious or extreme body builders. If you’re not careful, training with weights can also take a toll on your circulatory system, and problems with blood flow can lead to varicose veins because lifting weights can put undue stress on your blood vessels and capillaries. Varicose veins are those unsightly, twisted, ropelike veins that bulge right underneath the skin. They’re a sign that blood isn’t circulating properly, and weight lifters are especially prone to developing varicose veins. Here are some important tips for weight lifters from varicose vein treatment centers in New Jersey that can help those who train with weights reduce their risk of developing varicose veins and the often painful and even debilitating effects they can bring.
Prevention of varicose veins
If you’re a weight trainer who doesn’t have varicose veins, it goes without saying that you don’t want to get them. Varicose veins can be painful and they can limit your mobility, which can keep you not only from those all-important workouts; it can keep you from just performing your regular activities of daily living (ADLs). Here are some things you can do to avoid developing varicose veins and their accompanying symptoms and circulatory problems.
Include cardio in your workout
Of course, working out isn’t just about weight lifting. If you’re someone who enjoys lifting weights, you need to be sure to also include a cardio workout in your program. Brisk walking and workouts in water are excellent ways to keep blood flowing properly. Perform your cardio workout either before or after your weight-training workout.
Change up your workout
When working on legs, change your positioning from standing to sitting. Alternating workouts helps to maintain proper blood flow and helps to assure you’re not putting undue stress on any one part of your body.
Only lift what you can handle.
Most weight lifters are guilty of it … moving to the next level before their bodies are ready. Though you want to push yourself to new heights, it’s important that you make sure you’re not lifting too much before your body is ready. If your muscles are collapsing, your veins and capillaries likely are also being injured. Talk to your doctor about the weight level that’s right for your capabilities.
Weight lifters who have varicose veins
If you’re a weight lifter who is also a varicose vein sufferer, you need to be especially cautious when performing your weight-training workouts. Following are some tips that can help reduce the symptoms and exacerbation of your varicose veins. As mentioned above, many of the tips on these 2 lists are interchangeable and can assist both those who don’t have varicose veins and those who do.
Wear compression socks
Compression socks, also called compression stockings or support hose, work by squeezing veins from the feet and ankles up. This action aids in redirecting blood that may be pooling and sending it to the heart. This helps to keep it flowing out to the rest of your bodies organs effectively.
Elevate your legs
Elevate your legs throughout the day. You may even want to consider elevating your legs after every workout. Take a break to elevate your legs above your heart in order to aid in maintaining proper circulation.
Weight lifting can be a great contributor to a healthy, active lifestyle. It keeps the BMI (body mass index) where it should be; it promotes proper fat burn; and it helps to keep the body performing optimally. Unfortunately, weight lifting can also lead to circulation problems, and that can lead to varicose veins. If you’re a weight trainer, especially if you’re a serious body builder, include a few of the above tips in your workout. Drink plenty of water throughout the day, try not to train on hard surfaces, wear compression socks, and elevate your legs, especially after your weight lifting sessions. If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms of varicose veins, consult with a varicose vein treatment center in New Jersey for proper diagnosis and treatment.
