Epilepsy and Exercise in Grand Rapids, Michigan

People living with epilepsy in Grand Rapids and their families often worry that physical activity might trigger seizures. This can lead to overprotection and unnecessary limits on daily life. In reality, exercise is beneficial for almost everyone, including most people with epilepsy.

With the right precautions and guidance from a healthcare professional, residents of Grand Rapids can safely enjoy many forms of exercise—from walking along the Grand River to working out at a local gym in Eastown or Wyoming.

Is Exercise Safe for People with Epilepsy?

For most people, exercise does not worsen epilepsy or cause seizures. In fact, seizures triggered directly by physical activity are rare.

Regular physical activity can:

  • Improve overall health and cardiovascular fitness
  • Support better mood and reduce anxiety or depression
  • Improve sleep quality, which is especially important in epilepsy
  • Help with weight management and blood sugar control
  • Potentially improve seizure control through better overall wellbeing

In West Michigan, where long winters and shorter daylight hours can affect mood and energy, staying active—indoors or outdoors—can be particularly helpful for people with epilepsy.

Always talk with your neurologist or primary care provider in Grand Rapids (for example, at Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, or Mercy Health) before starting a new exercise program.

Sports and Activities: What’s Generally Safe?

Most people with epilepsy can safely participate in many common sports and activities, including:

  • Walking or jogging on local trails (e.g., Millennium Park, Riverside Park)
  • Indoor treadmill, cycling, and elliptical workouts
  • Yoga, Pilates, and stretching
  • Team sports such as basketball, soccer, or volleyball
  • Strength training with proper supervision and technique

The key is to avoid personal seizure triggers and choose activities that match your seizure type, frequency, and overall health.

Activities Requiring Extra Caution

Some sports carry higher risk if a seizure occurs, especially those involving:

  • Heights (e.g., certain gymnastics events, rock climbing, horseback riding)
  • Fast speeds or heavy machinery (e.g., motor racing, snowmobiling)
  • Deep water or underwater pressure (e.g., scuba diving)

These activities aren’t always completely off-limits, but they require careful discussion with your neurologist and strict safety measures.

Swimming and Water Safety in West Michigan

Someone with epilepsy should never swim alone

This is especially important in Michigan, where water activities are common—whether you’re swimming at a local pool, enjoying Lake Michigan beaches, or boating on nearby inland lakes.

Water safety tips:

  • Never swim alone – always swim with a responsible adult who knows you have epilepsy and understands seizure first aid.
  • Always wear a life jacket when boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, or participating in other water sports.
  • Avoid swimming in deep, cold, or rough water where rescue could be difficult.
  • Choose supervised pools or beaches with lifeguards when possible.

Sports with extreme risk if a seizure occurs—such as hang-gliding, scuba-diving, downhill racing, free climbing, and car or motorbike racing—are generally not recommended for people with active seizures.

Additional restrictions may be needed for people who:

  • Have frequent or unpredictable seizures
  • Have epilepsy combined with other physical or cognitive disabilities

General Exercise Safety Tips for People with Epilepsy in Grand Rapids

Regular physical activity is usually a good lifestyle choice for people with epilepsy. In a city like Grand Rapids, with cold winters and hot, sometimes humid summers, it’s important to plan exercise around weather and personal health.

Before You Exercise

  • Get enough sleep

    • Lack of sleep is a common seizure trigger.
    • Avoid intense exercise if you are severely overtired.

  • Eat before exercising

    • Have a balanced meal or snack 1–2 hours before activity.
    • To prevent low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), consider a light snack (fruit, yogurt, or whole-grain crackers) if you haven’t eaten recently.

  • Stay well-hydrated

    • Drink water before, during, and after exercise.
    • This is especially important during hot Michigan summers or in heated indoor gyms.

  • Dress for the weather

    • In winter, wear layers to stay warm but avoid overheating when exercising indoors.
    • In summer, avoid the hottest part of the day and consider air-conditioned gyms in Grand Rapids.

During Exercise

  • Know your limits

    • Don’t push yourself to the point of exhaustion.
    • Stop if you feel faint, lightheaded, nauseous, extremely short of breath, or generally unwell.

  • Avoid overheating

    • If heat is a trigger for your seizures, choose cooler times of day or indoor, air-conditioned facilities.
    • Take breaks, especially during hot or humid weather.

  • Use appropriate protective gear

    • Wear a helmet for biking, skating, skiing, or snowboarding.
    • Use pads or other protective equipment as recommended for your sport.

  • Let others know you have epilepsy

    • Make sure coaches, trainers, and teammates know:
      • That you have epilepsy
      • What your seizures look like
      • What to do if a seizure happens

If You Exercise Alone

  • Consider wearing a medical alert bracelet or pendant that states you have epilepsy.
  • Carry a mobile phone with an ICE (In Case of Emergency) contact.
  • Let family or friends know:
    • Your route (for walking, jogging, or biking)
    • When you’re leaving and when you expect to return

Antiseizure Medications and Exercise

Always take your medication as prescribed

Antiseizure medications (also called anti-epileptic drugs) are the main treatment for epilepsy. However, some side effects may affect sports and physical performance, such as:

  • Slower reaction times
  • Fatigue and tiredness
  • Blurred or double vision
  • Problems with concentration
  • Balance or coordination issues
  • Low motivation or low energy

If side effects are interfering with your daily life or ability to exercise:

  • Talk to your neurologist or primary care provider in Grand Rapids about adjusting your dose or switching medications.
  • Local options include neurology services at Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, or Mercy Health.

Weight Changes and Medication

If you start a new training program and lose a significant amount of weight, medication levels in your body may change. This can affect seizure control.

  • Let your doctor know if you have major weight loss or gain.
  • You may need a medication review or blood level check.

Avoid Anabolic Steroids

  • Do not use anabolic steroids to build muscle.
  • They can have serious long-term health effects and may interfere with antiseizure medication levels.
  • Some people have reported seizures linked to anabolic steroid use.

On the positive side, regular physical activity can help reduce some medication side effects, such as:

  • Weight gain
  • Decreased bone strength (increased risk of fractures)

Weight-bearing exercises (walking, light jogging, strength training) can help maintain bone health, which is especially important in northern climates like Michigan where vitamin D levels may be lower in winter.

Seizures that occur during or after exercise are often related to indirect triggers, not the exercise itself. These can include:

  • Extreme fatigue
  • Lack of sleep
  • Dehydration and electrolyte loss
  • Overheating (hyperthermia)
  • Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)

How to Reduce These Triggers

  • Get plenty of rest and good-quality sleep
  • Stay hydrated before, during, and after workouts
  • Eat a balanced, nutritionally adequate diet
  • Avoid exercising on an empty stomach; have a snack if needed
  • Don’t exercise to the point of physical exhaustion
  • If you feel very hot or very tired, slow down or stop
  • Plan at least two rest days per week from intense training
  • Limit or avoid alcohol, which can interfere with sleep and seizure control

Local Epilepsy and Exercise Support in Grand Rapids

If you live in the Grand Rapids area and have questions about epilepsy and exercise, consider these resources:

  • Your GP (primary care doctor) – often your first point of contact
  • Neurologist – for diagnosis, medication management, and exercise clearance
  • Major local health systems:
    • Spectrum Health (Corewell Health)
    • Trinity Health Grand Rapids
    • Metro Health – University of Michigan Health
    • Mercy Health
  • Kent County Health Department & Grand Rapids Public Health – for general wellness programs, vaccination, and chronic disease support
  • Local epilepsy support groups or patient education programs (ask your neurologist or hospital for up-to-date contacts)

These providers can help you create a safe, individualized exercise plan that fits your seizure type, medication regimen, and lifestyle in West Michigan.

Key Points About Epilepsy and Exercise

  • Epilepsy is a common brain condition where a person has a tendency to have recurrent, unprovoked seizures.
  • Exercise is generally safe and beneficial for most people with epilepsy, including those living in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
  • For many individuals, physical activity does not worsen epilepsy or cause seizures and may even improve seizure control through better overall health.
  • With appropriate safety precautions, awareness of personal triggers, and guidance from your healthcare team, you can safely enjoy an active lifestyle in Grand Rapids.