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

Live Facebook Feed

Comments Box SVG iconsUsed for the like, share, comment, and reaction icons

📅 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗿❗

🤩 Lupus Europe is excited to invite you to a unique event on World Lupus Day:

🧑‍💻 “Fertility, family planning for young lupus patients”

🚀 𝗔 𝘄𝗲𝗯𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗿 𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝘆 the Lupus Europe 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗽.

📆 10th of May.
🕖 19:00 h CET.

🙌 A space dedicated to discussing issues that impact young people, by young and for young people.

This event is a tremendous opportunity to connect, learn, and share experiences related to lupus from the perspective of young people.

👩‍⚕️ Joining us will be Prof Laura Andreoli, who will answer your questions and engage in meaningful conversation with Lynette, Makya, Marina and Rita from the Lupus Europe Youth Group.

Moderated by our Chair, Jeanette Andersen.

‼️Register now by sending an e-mail to secretariat@lupus-europe.org‼️
... See MoreSee Less

📅 𝗠𝗮𝗿�

🌍 This month in our #1Month1Study campaign, we highlight our “Living with systemic lupus erythematosus in 2020: a European patient survey”, published in Lupus Science & Medicine.

This large-scale study, conducted by Lupus Europe was led by Alain Cornet, Jeanette Andersen, Kirsi Myllys, Angela Edwards with the incredible support of Prof. Laurent Arnaud. The study analysed data from 4,375 patients across 35 European countries, providing one of the most comprehensive overviews of the burden of SLE in Europe from the patient perspective.

✅ Key findings include:

•⁠ ⁠A median diagnosis delay of 2 years, highlighting persistent gaps in early recognition.
•⁠ ⁠A high symptom burden, with a median of 9 symptoms per patient.
•⁠ ⁠Significant impact on education, employment, and daily functioning.
•⁠ ⁠Marked inequalities in access to care across countries.

📌 These data underline the importance of integrating the patient perspective into clinical practice, research, and health policy to improve outcomes in this complex disease.

doi.org/10.1136/lupus-2020-000469

😃 Stay tuned as we break down these findings throughout the month and explore what they mean for people living with lupus across Europe.

This study would not have been possible without the active support and dissemination of Lupus Europe National Members across Europe. A huge thank you to all National Members and to all who supported and disseminated the study, for making this possible for the lupus community.
... See MoreSee Less

🌍 This month in o

🌈 The right to health is a basic human right. Everyone must have access to the health services they need when & where they need them without 💶 hardship.

😔 30% of the global population is not able to access essential health services.

#StandWithScience #WorldHealthDay #WHD2026
... See MoreSee Less

🌈 The right to he