Guide to using the gym safely for people with epilepsy

If you’re a regular gym user or someone who’s looking to sign up for a membership for the first time you might be wondering how your epilepsy could affect you. The good news is that there’s no reason your epilepsy should hold you back in your pursuit of fitness, you might just have to take a few extra precautions to ensure you are able to work out safely. In fact, research in Norway found that regular aerobic exercise can actually reduce seizures (source: https://www.epilepsysociety.org.uk/exercise-and-epilepsy).

We’re going to separate our advice into three sections, general advice, weight training and cardio machines. For other types of exercise and sporting activity the advice may be slightly different.

General advice

Before you get started, we would strongly suggest that you first seek the advice of your healthcare professional. They will also be able to provide advice that’s more specific to you and your needs.

Most gyms will ask you to complete a health assessment form detailing any medical information before you can join. It’s essential that you’re up front and honest about your epilepsy so that the gym can ensure the correct measures are in place to keep you safe, they may also provide you with advice that’s specific to their equipment.

Cardio machines

Treadmills, elliptical machines, rowers and bikes may not seem particularly dangerous. However, should you have a seizure whilst operating one of these machines it can result in serious injury if you’re not careful. Many of the motor operated machines, especially treadmills, often have a safety clip that you can attach to your clothing and will stop the machine instantly if you lose control, fall or have a seizure. We would recommend that you research the gym before joining and ensure they have this safety feature, and if not consider choosing a gym that has.

Ensure you stay well hydrated before, during and after exercising and using the cardio machines. This will ensure that your body is replacing the fluids that you lose during exercise and prevent you from becoming dehydrated, which is good advice even if you don’t have epilepsy.

You may be advised to avoid certain types of cardio equipment at the gym by the instructors or your healthcare professional. It’s important to note that both have your best interests and safety at heart and ensure that you follow this advice.

Weight training

Weight training carries a different risk than that of the cardio machines. Most gyms have a combination of weight machines (fixed weights) and free weights (dumbbells, barbells and any other freestanding weight). Weight machines pose less of an injury risk to someone with epilepsy as the weight itself is often concealed and not likely to cause damage in the event of a seizure. For this reason, it’s often advisable that you use the machines rather than the free weights.

However, if your mind is set on using the free weights then we can’t recommend strongly enough making sure you always have someone else on hand to help you should the need arise. This is often called a ‘spotter’, someone who can take the weight if you lose control of it and help return the weight safely. Many people without epilepsy will use a spotter to ensure they don’t injure themselves, it’s common practice in gyms, so you won’t be alone in this. It’s often encouraged to have a ‘gym buddy’.

Finally, don’t push yourself too hard. It may be tempting to push your limits in terms of weight and endurance, but the added stress and danger involved may not be worth it. Whilst you may want to increase the weight to challenge yourself, the consequences of losing control of too much weight or through exhaustion can be incredibly hazardous.

National Epilepsy Training can help

Need more advice on exercise and epilepsy? The team at National Epilepsy Training are on hand to give knowledgeable advice and guidance, as well as recommendations to ensure you’re safe whilst working out. Call us on 01706 373075 or email admin@nationalepilepsytraining.co.uk.