Exercising after a brain injury? Yes, indeed!

Acquired brain injury (ABI) is damage to the brain that occurred after birth. It can have various causes, such as an accident, a brain tumor or stroke, or cardiac arrest. In the Netherlands alone, no fewer than 140,000 people are affected by a form of brain injury each year. The complaints are unique for everyone and vary from mild to very serious. Do you still want to exercise - and are you still able to do so -, but are you unsure about what is and is not possible? In this blog we will tell you how sporty exercise can help you improve your health.

Sports activities after brain injury

It can be quite exciting to start exercising again after a brain injury. Yet it is a good idea. Regular exercise has many benefits for your health. You improve your condition, strengthen your muscles and it helps you feel better about yourself.

Suitable exercise activities

There are various exercise activities that can be suitable after a brain injury. Think of walking, cycling and swimming, but also specific exercises aimed at balance, coordination and strength. You can of course do this alone, but also in a group. Exercising in a group not only has physical benefits, but also social benefits. By exercising together with others, you can make new friends and share experiences. Exchanging tips and ideas with fellow sufferers can also be very inspiring.

Tips for exercising and moving after a stroke

If you want to continue exercising and moving after a brain injury, there are a few important tips to keep in mind. Choose activities that you enjoy and that suit your abilities. Build up the duration, intensity and frequency gradually to avoid overload. Try to be active on more days of the week and take a rest day every now and then.

Brain injury in practice

Femke (56 years old) had a severe stroke two years ago: 'I was in top condition, had just received big compliments from the sports physician a month before my stroke. Yet I had a stroke. I was allowed to go home after three days in hospital. 'Without residual symptoms' was written on the discharge letter. In practice, that was a bit disappointing. I had a lot of loss of strength on the affected (left) side and I have had a drop foot on that side ever since. Thanks to personal guidance and adapted training, I now have the same amount of strength on both sides and my foot functions much better. Yet I still prefer cycling. I will probably never be able to run again, but thanks to my sporty lifestyle I feel super fit again.'

Personal guidance and customized training

At Happy Bodies we understand that personal guidance and customized training can be essential when dealing with a brain injury. Thanks to our unique concept, everyone can train with us. The innovative Milon circle helps you move safely and efficiently and strengthen your muscles and our coaches have all followed extensive training and have years of experience in the field. They can advise you on which movements are most suitable for you and what to pay attention to during activities. Together with you, they ensure that you can move with pleasure again and that your health improves.