One such scenario is when someone suffers from exercise intolerance.

Experts in This Article

What is exercise intolerance?

Individuals with exercise intolerance cannot build the necessary stamina with exercise, explains Dr. Zwibel.

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In fact, exercising can cause more discomfort.

Make no mistake: Exercise intolerance is different from just being out of shape or unmotivated to work out.

This is an actual condition that can affect your physiology.

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Dr. Zwibel says this happens because theres less oxygen-rich blood being circulated throughout the body.

What are the symptoms?

Namely, people will feel winded and fatigued when theyre starting exercise.

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Many also experience muscle cramping and aches.

These responses make it difficult for them to sustain exercise in a comfortable or manageable way.

Its Amazing How Its All Connected.

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There are various underlying causes of this condition.

Dr. Zwibel says that two common ones are heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

It can also be a symptom associated with chronic fatigue syndrome or POTS.

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The mechanism for this remains unclear but may be related to lung or cardiac issues.

Oxygen-rich blood is needed throughout the body to maintain all bodily functions.

Respiratory conditions can negatively impact the blood being oxygenated, he says.

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The good news: Fortunately, not everyone with these types of conditions will necessarily suffer from exercise intolerance.

Can you still work out with exercise intolerance?

Theres not a one-size-fits-all approach.

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Thats why it is critical to seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional.

This has been shown to improve exercise intoleranceand help to improve quality of life.

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