Regular, moderate exercise has many of the same advantages for people with HIV disease as it does for most people. Exercise can improve lean body mass, decrease fat, manage stress better, help with fatigue and decrease depression symptoms. Besides improving strength, exercise may also help the immune system work better. Finding the motivation to eat right and stay active when you have HIV is best done alongside others with HIV who understand the obstacles and rewards.

On myHIVteam, the social network and online support group for those living with HIV, members talk about a range of personal experiences and struggles. Staying active is one of the top 10 topics most discussed.

Here are a few question-and-answer threads about staying active:

• Has anyone else had issues with weight gain and difficulties achieving meaningful weight loss?

• How is exercising with HIV or while taking ART?

• I have some limitations with my hips, knees, and back. Does anyone have ideas of what exercises I should try?

Here are some conversations about staying active:

• Does staying active at the gym help take your mind off things?

• I realized that exercise keeps my mind and body busy, I have released a lot of stress and it keeps my mind from negative things.

• Saw my therapist yesterday and they suggested getting outside and being still in the beauty of nature.

Have another topic you'd like to discuss or explore? Go to myHIVteam today and start the conversation. You'll be surprised just how many others may share similar stories.

Feel free to ask a question here.