Badasses with cystic fibrosis tell us that living an active lifestyle is essential for their health, not just because of movement’s effects on the cardiovascular system but because of the mental, emotional, and social benefits, as well.
The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation emphasizes the importance of working with a CF physical therapist as you develop and progress in an exercise plan. If your health allows, the organization recommends doing exercise that it at least moderate in intensity.
The CFF also recommends a general best-practice: keeping an exercise journal. This can be especially important in the case of athletes with chronic illnesses, as we need to be more vigilant about finding problematic and beneficial patterns in our activity and health.
The Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters in Norfolk, VA, created a video called “Yoga for CF.” The video is available here on YouTube or by sending an email to resources@cff.org.
The Cystic Fibrosis Lifestyle Foundation provides grants for CF warriors who need financial assistance to be active. Recipients can use the funding for gym membership, sports camps, exercise classes, martial arts, swim lessons, etc. For more information and for the application form, please visit the CFLF website.
Many athletes with cystic fibrosis benefit from salt supplementation.
- SaltStick welcomes CF patients whose doctors recommend electrolyte supplementation to join the Vitassium Club. Vitassium Club members receive 20% off their orders, and free shipping is available on orders of $75 or more. To join, submit a simple application at vitassium.com.
- Nuun creates flavored electrolyte tablets that can be dissolved in water. The NUUNHELPSME coupon code gives chronic illness warriors 30% off their orders. Additionally, Nuun maintains an Ambassador program, which offers 40% off and opens each fall. For more information, check out nuunlife.com.
Each summer, courageous paddleboarders (10 of whom are CF warriors) paddle 80 miles from the Bahamas to the US mainland in the Crossing for Cystic Fibrosis. If you’re looking for some inspiration–or even your next challenge–check out the event website.
If you are a cystic fibrosis Badass, we’d love to learn what works for you! Please feel free to email resources@chronicallybadass.org with your fitness tips and CF hacks.
The content on this website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.