Staying Active When You Have Chronic Liver Disease

Staying physically active can help you feel stronger, move more easily, and improve your overall quality of life — even if you have chronic liver disease (CLD). The good news is that every bit of movement counts, and activity can be safely adapted to your energy level, symptoms, and medical needs.

This guide will help you understand why movement matters, how to get started safely, and what types of activity may work best for you.

Why Physical Activity Matters With Chronic Liver Disease

People with chronic liver disease may notice:

• Fatigue or low energy
• Muscle weakness or loss of strength
• Shortness of breath with activity
• Balance changes or slower movement

Regular, gentle physical activity can help:

• Improve strength and stamina
• Support heart and lung health
• Maintain muscle mass
• Improve balance and flexibility
• Boost mood and sleep quality

You don’t need to exercise for long periods — even a few minutes at a time can help.

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Getting Started: Keep It Simple

Start Small

• Sit less and move more throughout the day
• Walk to the mailbox or around your home
• Do light stretching while watching TV
• Take the stairs if you feel steady

Talk With Your Healthcare Provider

Before starting a new activity routine:

• Ask if there are any exercises you should avoid
• Discuss other medical conditions or medications
• Ask about activity timing if you have procedures or frequent appointments
• Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or changing any exercise or physical activity program

Build a Plan

• Choose activities you enjoy
• Set realistic goals based on how you feel
• Consider working with a physical therapist or exercise professional if recommended

Find Motivation

• Exercise with a friend or family member
• Join a supervised class or senior program
• Choose activities that feel fun, not like a chore

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Aerobic Activity (Movement That Gets You Breathing a Bit Faster)

Examples:

• Walking
• Light cycling
• Water exercise or swimming
• Dancing

How often:

• About 3–5 days per week

How hard:

• Light to moderate effort
• You should be able to talk, but not sing

How long:

• Start with just a few minutes
• Slowly build toward 20–30 minutes total, broken into shorter sessions if needed

Helpful tip:
If needed, try 3 minutes of movement followed by 3 minutes of rest, repeated several times.

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Strength Training (Building and Maintaining Muscle)

Maintaining strength helps with daily tasks like carrying groceries, standing up from a chair, and preventing falls.

Examples:

• Light hand weights
• Resistance bands
• Chair stands
• Wall push-ups

How often:

• 2–3 days per week, with rest days in between

How hard:

• Start light
• Increase gradually as tolerated

How much:

• 10–15 repetitions per exercise
• 1–2 sets per major muscle group

Important safety note:
Avoid holding your breath while lifting as this can cause your blood pressure to go up.

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Flexibility, Balance, and Gentle Movement

These activities can improve balance, reduce stiffness, and lower fall risk.

Options include:

• Stretching tight muscles
• Gentle yoga or chair yoga
• Tai chi
• Pilates (modified for your ability)

How often:

• 2–3 days per week

Stretching tips:

• Stretch only to the point of mild tension, not pain
• Hold stretches for 10–30 seconds
• Breathe slowly and comfortably

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Special Tips and Safety Considerations for CLD

• Choose exercise on non-procedure days
• Avoid activity immediately after medical procedures unless approved
• Use how you feel (light to medium effort) instead of heart rate targets
• Drink fluids when thirsty — avoid over-hydration
• Limit very salty foods if fluid retention is a concern
• If you have an abdominal hernia, avoid exercises that strain the abdomen (like sit-ups or crunches)

Stop exercising and contact your healthcare provider if you experience:

• Dizziness or fainting
• Chest pain
• Severe shortness of breath
• New or worsening pain
• Always ask your healthcare provider for specific advice on when to call to report symptoms, and when to seek urgent/emergency care.  
• Call 911 if you are experiencing a medical emergency

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Other Ways to Stay Active

• Track daily steps with a pedometer or phone
• Aim gradually for 7,000–9,000 steps per day, if safe and approved by your healthcare provider
• Garden, clean, or play with grandchildren
• Choose activities that make you smile

Remember: The best exercise is the one you’ll actually do.

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Weekly Activity Reflection

Ask yourself:

“How will I move my body this week?”

Write down one small goal — even 5 minutes a day is a great start.

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Medical Disclaimer

This educational resource is intended for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or changing any exercise or physical activity program, especially if you have chronic liver disease or other medical conditions. Do not ignore or delay medical advice based on information provided in this resource.

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Sources:

• https://www.exerciseismedicine.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/EIM_Rx-for-Health_Chronic-Liver-Disease.pdf