How to exercise safely with Gaucher
Last updated May 7, 2025, by Agata Boxe
Fact-checked by Inês Martins, PhD
Gaucher disease can cause fatigue, bone pain, joint issues, and enlarged organs, which may make exercise seem daunting. However, staying active can play a powerful role in supporting your physical and mental well-being.
If you’ve been diagnosed with Gaucher disease, such as Gaucher disease type 1, it is possible to exercise safely and effectively as long as you consult your doctor and physical therapist before starting a new exercise program.
Benefits of exercise with Gaucher
Exercise can be part of your Gaucher disease treatment plan, in addition to medication and other therapies. It can be helpful for strengthening your bones, which is important as Gaucher disease often causes bone disease, including low bone density (osteopenia) and brittle bones (osteoporosis).
Other possible benefits of exercise and gentle stretching in people with Gaucher include:
- easing chronic inflammation
- boosting muscle strength and joint mobility
- reducing fatigue
- improving cardiovascular health.
The benefits of exercise may even extend to mental health. While there haven’t been any studies specifically looking at the mental health benefits of exercise in people living with Gaucher disease, research in the general population has shown that physical activity can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression.
Recommended exercises
For people with Gaucher disease, low-impact exercises, such as walking and swimming, are good options as they don’t put too much strain on the body.
- Walking is a free and accessible activity that you can do at your own pace, but it can be especially fun with a walking companion for camaraderie.
- Swimming is also a great choice because of the buoyancy of water, which decreases the impact on your joints while offering resistance to help strengthen your muscles and bones.
Additionally, strength training with light weights or resistance bands can help build bone density while strengthening your muscles. Your physical therapist can recommend safe workouts for Gaucher disease tailored to your needs and mobility.
For instance, they may substitute traditional pushups with a standing or seated equivalent. In a standing pushup, you lean into the wall and push away from it, whereas in a seated pushup, you push a lightweight pole away from your chest and then return your arms to your chest.
Finally, your doctor or physical therapist may recommend exercises that improve flexibility and reduce stiffness, such as stretching, yoga, or tai chi, while modifying them to prevent potential injuries. These exercises may also help you relax, which is needed when you are dealing with Gaucher disease symptoms such as fatigue or pain.
Exercises to avoid
People with Gaucher have a higher risk of fractures, so some forms of physical activity may need to be avoided. These include high-impact exercises and contact sports.
Examples of exercises you may need to avoid include:
- jumping
- lifting heavy weights
- football
- basketball
- ice hockey
- soccer
- rugby
- volleyball.
While you can still pursue other forms of exercise, such as low-impact workouts, that are safer for people with Gaucher disease, it is understandable if you miss the team spirit of certain contact sports. Consider working out with a group of friends, joining a walking or cycling group, or finding a low-intensity exercise class near you.
Safety tips when exercising
Exercise with Gaucher is possible and can be done safely as long as you take certain precautions and follow expert guidance.
First, always consult a healthcare provider before starting an exercise routine. Work with a physical therapist or trainer experienced in chronic conditions, who can recommend workouts for Gaucher disease and share Gaucher disease fitness tips.
You can also consult with a nutritionist or a registered dietitian regarding diet recommendations to complement your exercise plan.
Other advice for exercising with Gaucher:
- Start slowly and don’t overexert yourself.
- Schedule your workouts for when you feel best.
- Take breaks as necessary.
- Remember to warm up and cool down.
- Stay hydrated throughout your workout.
- Adjust the intensity as needed.
- Be consistent, and exercise or stretch a few times a week.
To conserve energy, you may also try “exercise snacks” or short bouts of exercise spaced out throughout the day. Instead of exercising for 20 minutes at a time, you may choose to work out for five minutes four times a day.
Don’t hesitate to cancel or reschedule your workout sessions if you are not feeling well. Be kind to yourself and practice self-compassion. You can get back to it when you feel ready.
Exercising with Gaucher requires a strategic approach but can be highly beneficial when done under expert guidance. With the support of your doctor and physical therapist, you can develop and maintain a personalized, safe, and effective workout plan.
Gaucher Disease News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content 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.
