Move Forward After Stroke: How Exercise Can Support Your Recovery

A stroke can be a life-changing event. It often brings new challenges—physical, emotional, and cognitive—that affect everyday life. Many stroke survivors experience reduced mobility, fatigue, and lowered confidence, making recovery feel overwhelming. But there is good news: exercise is one of the most powerful tools for regaining function, improving wellbeing, and reducing the risk of future strokes.

At Brown & Ross Exercise Physiology, we specialise in helping stroke survivors take safe and supported steps toward recovery. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to build on your progress, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

How Can Exercise Help After a Stroke?

Engaging in regular physical activity after a stroke has been shown to improve quality of life and support long-term recovery. Benefits include:

✅ Improved ability to walk and perform daily activities
✅ Enhanced balance, coordination, and confidence
✅ Increased strength, endurance, and cardiovascular fitness
✅ Better mood, mental clarity, and alertness
✅ Reduced risk of future strokes, lower blood pressure, and cholesterol
✅ Decreased risk of falls and greater independence

Safe and Effective Exercise Options for Stroke Recovery

Every stroke survivor has different needs. Exercise should be tailored to your current abilities, medical history, and personal goals. Here are some evidence-based approaches that we use and recommend:

🫀 Cardiovascular Fitness (Aerobic Exercise)

Aim for 3–5 days a week, with 20–60 minutes per session.
Suitable options include walking, cycling (seated or stationary), elliptical machines, stair climbing, and treadmill use.
Start with light intensity and gradually increase to moderate over time.
Short, frequent sessions are just as beneficial as long workouts.

💪 Strength Training

2–3 times per week, focusing on major muscle groups.
Can involve resistance bands, weights, bodyweight movements, or gym machines.
Progress slowly with guidance to ensure safety and effectiveness.

⚖️ Balance & Coordination

Daily tasks such as walking faster, navigating stairs, or stepping over obstacles can improve balance.
Tai Chi, functional games, and even active video games can make training fun and rewarding.

Common Barriers—and How to Overcome Them

Stroke survivors often face extra challenges when starting exercise, such as fatigue, low mood, memory difficulties, or loss of confidence. It’s also common to feel unsure where to start. Here’s how we help break those barriers:

Fatigue and mood: While these can be hurdles, gentle and consistent exercise actually helps reduce fatigue and boost mood.
Confidence: Starting small and celebrating wins builds motivation and belief in what’s possible.
Physical limitations: With the right adaptations, most people can safely engage in exercise.
Lack of support: That’s where we come in.

How Brown & Ross Exercise Physiology Can Help

We understand the complexities of stroke recovery. Our Accredited Exercise Physiologists offer:

📝 Comprehensive assessments to understand your needs and goals
🧩 Personalised exercise programs tailored to your level and preferences
💬 Ongoing support and progression to keep you moving forward safely
🧠 Experience with cognitive, mobility, and mood-related barriers to exercise

Whether your goal is to walk further, reduce your stroke risk, or regain independence, our team is here to help you thrive.

Take the First Step Today

Exercise doesn’t have to be hard to be effective. It’s about finding what works for you, moving at your own pace, and having the right support along the way.

If you or someone you love is recovering from a stroke, get in touch with Brown & Ross Exercise Physiology to book a consultation. Together, we’ll build a pathway to better health, strength, and confidence—one step at a time.

📞 Visit us at brownrossep.com or call to speak with our friendly team. Your journey to recovery can start today.

Brown & Ross Exercise Physiology – Helping you Understand your body, Refine your movement, overcome challenges, and build lasting well-being.