Every diabetic knows that exercise can have an impact on our blood sugar levels. It can have a steadying effect, increasing your insulin sensitivity and reducing the spikes from meals. But actually getting the exercise? That’s a whole different matter.
A gym is one of the best places to get regular exercise, that’s the whole point of them right? With all the equipment you could need, classes to join and often a pool you can easily spend a few hours there a couple of times a week. But what do diabetics need to do when they join the gym?
Declare Your Diabetes When You Join A Gym
When you first sign up to a gym there could be some paperwork to fill in, and one of them of will be a medical form. On it you need to declare that you have diabetes. The gym cannot and will not stop you from joining or restrict your activities based on your diabetes. So you have no reason to be worried or lie on that form.
It is important that you let them know in case of an emergency. If you have a severe hypo and need assistance, or simply slip and bang your head in the changing room it is vital that they have those details on file and can make sure you are treated accordingly.
Learn the Gym Layout
Choose a gym that has a layout that you like. I always carry hypo treatments with me in the gym, but just enough for one hypo. I keep more in my locker and get them as needed. In some gyms the changing rooms and lockers may be far away from the gym floor, which can make things more difficult.
Changing rooms on a different floor or further away doesn’t have to be a deal breaker. You just need to think it through and prepare accordingly, like carrying extra hypo treatments.
Plan Your Workouts
When you are joining a gym with diabetes, especially if it is your first time doing intentional regular exercise, it is really helpful to plan your workouts. Have an idea of what you’re going to do, for roughly how long and in what order. That will make it easier for you to predict what your blood sugars will do during your workout.
Pick A Gym You Feel Comfortable In
At the end of the day going to the gym is meant to be enjoyable, and whether you have diabetes or not you should pick a gym that you will enjoy going to. Look at the facilities in each site, consider the types of workouts you want to do and check out if there are any classes you would like to join.
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