Choosing the Right Sport for You

Exercise keeps muscles strong and helps prevent joint damage. This section contains helpful information for children taking on new sports, or adults keeping fit. Getting Started Before starting a new sport or activity, make sure you understand how to prepare and be safe. Always follow the guidance of your hemophilia treatment team when choosing an activity.   For more information on choosing a sport that's right for you, download the EmbraceLife.ca Sports Checklist & Tips.

Choose a sport that is fun but safe.

Here are some guidelines to help you choose. The following sports and activities are considered by the Canadian Hemophilia Society as activities that most individuals with hemophilia can safely participate in:

• Badminton
• Bicycling*
• Golf
• Hackeysack
• Hiking
• Sailing, canoeing
• Swimming
• Tai Chi
• Walking
• Yoga

Remember: Always follow the guidance of your hemophilia treatment team when choosing an activity.

Prepare and be prepared

Warm-up and cool-down exercises are especially important in hemophilia care. The CHS offers helpful suggestions on how to prepare for sports or activities before getting started.

Recognizing and treating a sports-related bleed is very important. Perform R.I.C.E. (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) and use your home treatment as directed by your nurse as soon as a bleed happens to stop the bleeding and begin the healing.

* To participate safely in these sports, proper protective equipment, such as a helmet, is    essential.