Exercise

LUPUS EUROPE • EXERCISE PROGRAM for LUPUS PATIENTS

In collaboration with trained physical therapists Lupus Europe has developed an exercise program in five levels which has been endorsed by leading European Lupologists.

INTRODUCTION

Studies show, that the only thing, that is clinically proven to help lupus fatigue is “moderate” exercise. We as lupus patients ourselves do however realise, how difficult it can be to start exercising, when you feel fatigue! This is why we developed this program from our own experiences.

Exercise doesn´t necessarily mean, that you have to run a marathon or go to the gym. With this program we want to show, that you can do it no matter where you are and how you are feeling. You should be able to find a level that suits you each day.

The goal is of course to increase in level whenever you can, but you will probably experience, that you have to go down a level at some point. Don´t despair, this is quite normal, and the most important thing is, that you do one exercise a day – not which level it is.

Who knows – you might even feel so energized by doing one program, that you can take on the next level straight away…?

All exercises can be done without training tools and in the individual videos we will guide you through the various options for increased or reduced difficulties. Each program can be done in 15-20 minutes, if you do two or three rounds.

LEVEL 1

• LYING DOWN

• 6 Exercises
• 10-15 Minutes

This level is for when you feel unable to get out of bed for one reason or another or feel more comfortable lying down.

This should be your starting point, if you are not used to exercising.

The exercises can be done while lying in bed or on a mat on the floor.

You can increase the difficulty of some of the exercises by using waterbottles or dumbbells.

Download Exercise PDF

Download

LEVEL 2

• SEATED

• 6 Exercises
• 10-15 Minutes

This level is for when you are able to sit on a chair or are in a wheel chair but cannot stand up for longer periods of time.

For this program you will need a kitchen chair or similar.

You can increase the difficulty of some of the exercises by using an elastic band, water bottles or dumbbells.

Download Exercise PDF

Download

LEVEL 3

• STANDING

7 Exercises
• 10-15 Minutes

This level is for when you are able to stand up, but not walk for longer periods of time.

For this program you will need a kitchen chair or similar, a floor mat and a wall to lean against.

Download Exercise PDF

Download

LEVEL 4

• STANDING
• WALKING


• 7 Exercises
• 10-15 Minutes

This level is for when you are able to walk for longer periods of time, but not run or do high impact exercise.

For this program you will need a floor mat and a wall to lean against.

You can increase the difficulty of some of the exercises by using an elastic band, water bottles or dumbbells.

Download Exercise PDF

Download

LEVEL 5

• STANDING
• WALKING
• JUMPING

• 7 Exercises 
• 10-15 Minutes

This level is for when you are able to run a bit,
jump and do high impact exercise.

For this program you will need a floor mat.

You can increase the difficulty of some of the exercises
by using a kettle bell, water bottles or dumbbells.

Download Exercise PDF

Download

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2 hours ago

😨 Did you miss our #EULAR2025 debrief webinar?

😮‍💨 Don't worry! You can watch the full session at your convenience.

Catch up on all the insights shared by many of the presenters, as well as some of our volunteers and PAN members, on our Facebook page!

www.facebook.com/LupusEurope/videos/1257813502412444
... See MoreSee Less

😨 Did you miss our #EULAR2025 debrief webinar?

😮‍💨 Dont worry! You can watch the full session at your convenience.

Catch up on all the insights shared by many of the presenters, as well as some of our volunteers and PAN members, on our Facebook page!

https://www.facebook.com/LupusEurope/videos/1257813502412444
3 days ago

‼️ According to our "Living with Lupus in 2020" survey, 𝐔𝐕 𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐬 𝐚𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐛𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐬𝐲𝐦𝐩𝐭𝐨𝐦𝐬 for those with lupus.

😱 In fact, 𝟔𝟖.𝟓% of respondents reported experiencing sun sensitivity, making it a significant concern for many.

💥 UV sensitivity can greatly limit daily activities and impact the quality of life for people with lupus. Here are a few examples:

🏗️ 𝐎𝐮𝐭𝐝𝐨𝐨𝐫 𝐣𝐨𝐛𝐬: Those who work outdoors, such as in construction, agriculture, or any job requiring prolonged sun exposure, often struggle to manage their symptoms.

The need to stay covered and protected from the sun can make these jobs particularly challenging.

🏖️ 𝐅𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞: UV light can significantly impact social and family life for individuals with lupus.

Activities such as spending a day at the beach, attending park outings, enjoying barbecues, and participating in festivals or outdoor events become challenging due to the need for constant sun protection.

This often means seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen regularly, which can limit spontaneity and enjoyment.

For some patients, the sensitivity to UV light is so severe that they cannot attend these events at all, as exposure could trigger a lupus flare, further limiting their ability to engage in social and family activities.

🔊 Join us this month as we share tips and strategies to manage UV sensitivity and protect yourself from the sun.

😊 Share your experiences and how you #KickLupus & UV light in your daily life
... See MoreSee Less

‼️ According to our Living with Lupus in 2020 survey, 𝐔𝐕 𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐬 𝐚𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐛𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐬𝐲𝐦𝐩𝐭𝐨𝐦𝐬 for those with lupus. 

😱 In fact, 𝟔𝟖.𝟓% of respondents reported experiencing sun sensitivity, making it a significant concern for many.

💥 UV sensitivity can greatly limit daily activities and impact the quality of life for people with lupus. Here are a few examples:

🏗️ 𝐎𝐮𝐭𝐝𝐨𝐨𝐫 𝐣𝐨𝐛𝐬: Those who work outdoors, such as in construction, agriculture, or any job requiring prolonged sun exposure, often struggle to manage their symptoms. 

The need to stay covered and protected from the sun can make these jobs particularly challenging.

🏖️ 𝐅𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞: UV light can significantly impact social and family life for individuals with lupus. 

Activities such as spending a day at the beach, attending park outings, enjoying barbecues, and participating in festivals or outdoor events become challenging due to the need for constant sun protection. 

This often means seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen regularly, which can limit spontaneity and enjoyment. 

For some patients, the sensitivity to UV light is so severe that they cannot attend these events at all, as exposure could trigger a lupus flare, further limiting their ability to engage in social and family activities. 

🔊 Join us this month as we share tips and strategies to manage UV sensitivity and protect yourself from the sun. 

😊 Share your experiences and how you #KickLupus & UV light in your daily lifeImage attachment
6 days ago

🟣 Phase 2 of LUPUS-ALERT is now complete!

Thanks to the incredible contributions of patients and healthcare professionals from around the world, we are one step closer to creating a tool that will screen for vulnerabilities people may face during lupus care.

🔍 LUPUS-ALERT is a project co-developed by patients and clinicians that will systematically screen for vulnerabilities that can impact lupus management:

🔷 Associated conditions
🔷 Comorbidities
🔷 Social and economic context
🔷 Challenges and barriers — like language, access to medication, or distance to care

🙌 Thank you to everyone who has helped shape this project so far. Your input is helping shape a more equitable and person-centred future for lupus care.

💜 A very special thank you to Prof Laurent Arnaud and Dr Guimarães de Oliveira for their commitment and dedication throughout this process!

📌 Stay tuned — more to come soon!
... See MoreSee Less

🟣 Phase 2 of LUPUS-ALERT is now complete!

Thanks to the incredible contributions of patients and healthcare professionals from around the world, we are one step closer to creating a tool that will screen for vulnerabilities people may face during lupus care.

🔍 LUPUS-ALERT is a project co-developed by patients and clinicians that will systematically screen for vulnerabilities that can impact lupus management:

🔷 Associated conditions
🔷 Comorbidities
🔷 Social and economic context
🔷 Challenges and barriers — like language, access to medication, or distance to care

🙌 Thank you to everyone who has helped shape this project so far. Your input is helping shape a more equitable and person-centred future for lupus care.

💜 A very special thank you to Prof Laurent Arnaud and Dr Guimarães de Oliveira for their commitment and dedication throughout this process!

📌 Stay tuned — more to come soon!
1 week ago

🌟Thank you to all who attended our #EULAR2025 debrief webinar!

🙌 Especially to our presenters, volunteers & PAN members who shared their insights & experiences.

Stay tuned for more news and updates & don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter! www.lupus-europe.org/emails/
... See MoreSee Less