Fitness and Exercise With Epilepsy

 

Start focusing on what you CAN do!

The Epilepsy Foundation's Wellness Institute wants to support you in your fitness and exercise journey. Here you will find tips and tools to develop an active lifestyle in a safe way. You'll also learn how staying active can improve your mind, body, and spirit.

If you're living with epilepsy, you may be used to hearing what you can't do. We want you to discover what you CAN do!! Family and friends who care for and help people with seizures need to understand too – about your capabilities and their own. No matter where you are in life, paying attention to your own health and staying fit is vital to happiness and overall quality of life.

Why is Fitness Important?

More research is being done than ever before on epilepsy and exercise. Studies have shown that regular exercise provides physical and emotional benefits for people living with epilepsy. For example, in some people exercise may improve...

  • Seizure control
  • Some side effects of antiseizure medications
  • Mood disorders associated with epilepsy, including depression and anxiety
  • Sleep
  • Cognition (for example, thinking, memory, attention)
  • Overall quality of life

We also know that people with epilepsy get the same health benefits from exercise as healthy individuals without epilepsy: increased stamina and strength, weight and fat loss, improved mood, reduced stress, better sleep, and lower risk of illness.

Common Questions

Exploring this section to find answers to these and other questions. Share your questions or comments below.

"No one said it would be easy, they just promised us it would be worth it — Anonymous"

Authored By:

Jenny LaBaw

on Friday, February 04, 2022

Reviewed By:

David Taplinger MD

on Wednesday, February 08, 2017

Resources

Epilepsy Centers

Epilepsy centers provide you with a team of specialists to help you diagnose your epilepsy and explore treatment options.

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Epilepsy Medication

Find in-depth information on anti-seizure medications so you know what to ask your doctor.

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Epilepsy and Seizures 24/7 Helpline

Call our Epilepsy and Seizures 24/7 Helpline and talk with an epilepsy information specialist or submit a question online.

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Tools & Resources

Get information, tips, and more to help you manage your epilepsy.

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