HIV and Exercise

Exercise may help you feel better and relieve stress. It also keeps your heart, lungs, and muscles strong and helps you feel less tired. It also may improve your immune system, which can help you fight infection.

Be sure to talk with your doctor before you start an exercise program, especially if you haven't been active for a long time.

For many people, walking is a good choice. Bit by bit, increase the time you’re active every day. Try for at least 30 minutes on most days of the week. Or you may want to swim, bike, or be active in other ways. Housework and yard work count too.

Competitive sports can be fun ways to get exercise. They don't pose a risk of spreading HIV to other athletes or coaches. In sports in which exposure to blood can occur, the risk of spreading HIV is very small. But if a person, HIV-infected or not, starts to bleed, they should leave the game. The wounds should be covered before the person returns to the game.