Living with polycystic kidney disease (PKD) doesn’t mean avoiding movement – in fact, regular physical activity is one of the most important lifestyle strategies, outside of nutrition, to support cardiovascular health, including blood pressure control, and overall well-being.

Physical activity and nutrition work together to support a healthy lifestyle.

This blog post focuses on physical activity, which is any movement the body produces through skeletal muscles that requires energy expenditure. That includes everyday movements like:

• Walking to work or around your home
• Climbing stairs
• Gardening or housework
• Carrying groceries
• Playing with kids

In simple terms: all movement counts as physical activity.

Exercise, on the other hand, is a subtype of physical activity that is:

• Planned
• Structured
• Repetitive
• Done with the goal of improving or maintaining fitness

Examples include:

• Going for a 30-minute brisk walk
• Strength training at the gym
• Following a workout class or program
• Cycling or swimming for fitness

In simple terms: exercise is intentional movement for fitness.

This difference is important to remember, as not everyone needs a formal workout routine to see health benefits. Research and guidelines (including those aligned with PKD) emphasize:

• Reducing sedentary time
• Increasing total daily movement
• Incorporating both structured exercise and lifestyle activity

For many people, starting with more physical activity (like walking at lunch) is more realistic and sustainable than jumping straight into formal exercise programs.

It is important to reflect on your health needs and work with your healthcare team to put together a personalized plan.

Why Physical Activity Matters in PKD

Although PKD-specific exercise research is limited, recommendations align closely with broader CKD guidelines and emerging PKD literature. Regular physical activity can:

• Improve cardiovascular fitness and reduce blood pressure
• Support weight management, bone strength, and metabolic health
• Enhance mental health and quality of life
• Potentially reduce cardiovascular risk – the leading cause of death in CKD

Evidence from CKD guidelines and reviews shows that physical activity improves physical function, muscle strength, and overall quality of life in people living with kidney disease.

Evidence-Based Exercise Recommendations

Current guidance for PKD suggests:

• At least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity (e.g., brisk walking, cycling), or 75 minutes per week of vigorous activity, or a mix of both
• Strength training at least 2 days per week
• Reducing sedentary time and breaking up long sitting periods

Even small amounts of activity are beneficial – “some is better than none.” Think of this as “exercise snacks” and aim to break up sedentary time with 5–10 minutes of movement (stretching, walking, light resistance) spread throughout the day.

Things to Consider with PKD and Physical Activity

Before starting any new physical activity routine, speak with your healthcare providers. PKD introduces some unique safety considerations.

1. Avoid high-impact or contact sports

• Activities like football, hockey, boxing, or martial arts may increase the risk of kidney trauma
• Repetitive jarring (e.g., intense running on hard surfaces) may cause discomfort

2. Choose low-impact activities

Some kidney-friendly options that minimize stress on enlarged kidneys while still improving fitness include:

• Walking
• Swimming
• Cycling
• Rowing or using an elliptical machine

3. Monitor symptoms

Stop or modify activity if you experience:

• Flank or abdominal pain
• Blood in your urine
• Dizziness or excessive fatigue

4. Stay hydrated

Hydration is especially important in PKD, particularly during exercise.

Practical Ways to Incorporate More Movement

For many people, the biggest barrier isn’t knowledge – it’s putting physical activity into practice. Here are some realistic, sustainable strategies.

1. Build movement into your day

• Take a 10–15 minute walk at lunch
• Use stairs instead of elevators
• Park farther away or get off transit early

2. Make it social or structured

• Walk with coworkers or friends
• Join a beginner fitness class
• Use step trackers or apps for accountability

3. Start low and progress slowly

• Begin with 10-15 minutes per day
• Gradually increase duration and intensity

For more ideas on how to incorporate physical activity and exercise into your PKD lifestyle, check out this session from the 2025 PKD Summit.

Do You Need Supplements When Physically Active?

Wondering if you need supplements like protein powder or creatine when participating in exercise? This is a very common question. Let’s take a look at them individually.

Protein powder

• Not routinely necessary if protein needs are being met through food
• Many people with PKD are advised to follow a moderate – not high – protein intake
• Excess protein (especially from supplements) may increase kidney workload

Bottom line: Use protein powder only if needed (e.g., poor appetite or increased nutrition needs), ideally with guidance from a dietitian with expertise in PKD.

Instead of using protein powder after exercise, try eating foods with both carbohydrates and protein within 30 minutes of your activity, like the parfait recipe below.

Creatine supplements

Generally not recommended in PKD without medical supervision. Concerns include:

• Potential increases in serum creatinine (which can affect kidney function test results)
• Limited safety data in kidney disease populations
• Unclear safety standards and regulation among products

Ready to Get Physical?

Physical activity in PKD is not about perfection – it’s about consistency, safety, and sustainability. The best exercise is the one you can do regularly without worsening symptoms.

When combined with individualized nutrition care, physical activity becomes a powerful tool for long-term kidney and cardiovascular health.

 

Natural Protein Berry Parfait

Ingredients

• ¾ cup non-fat yogurt
• ½ cup mixed berries, fresh or frozen
• 1 tbsp unsalted pumpkin seeds
• 1 tbsp unsalted sunflower seeds

Instructions

1. Add yogurt to a bowl or mason jar.
2. Top with fruit and seeds.

Nutrition Facts (per serving): 218 calories, 12 g protein, 8 g fat, 1.1 g saturated fat, 26 g carbohydrates, 4 g fibre, 609 mg potassium, 399 mg phosphorus

About the Author

Emily Campbell, RD, CDE, MScFN, is a Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Educator with a master’s degree in foods and nutrition. Emily specializes in helping people with kidney disease navigate the often confusing world of nutrition to support better health. Emily can be found at kidneynutrition.ca.

Frequently Asked Questions About Physical Activity and PKD

Can people with PKD exercise safely?

Yes, many people with polycystic kidney disease (PKD) can exercise safely. Physical activity can support heart health, blood pressure, energy levels, and overall well-being. The best activities are usually low-impact exercises that do not put too much stress on the kidneys. Always speak with your healthcare team before starting a new exercise routine.

What are the best exercises for people with PKD?

Low-impact activities are often recommended for people with PKD. Examples include:

• Walking
• Swimming
• Cycling
• Stretching
• Yoga
• Elliptical training
• Light strength training

These activities can help improve fitness while reducing stress on enlarged kidneys.

Are there exercises people with PKD should avoid?

Some people with PKD may need to avoid high-impact or contact sports that increase the risk of kidney injury. This can include:

• Football
• Hockey
• Boxing
• Martial arts
• Intense contact sports

Activities with repetitive jarring movements may also cause discomfort for some people.

How much exercise should someone with PKD get?

Current recommendations suggest aiming for:

• At least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week, or
• 75 minutes of vigorous activity per week

Strength training at least twice per week is also encouraged. Even short periods of movement throughout the day can help.

Can exercise help lower blood pressure in PKD?

Yes. Regular physical activity may help improve cardiovascular health and support healthy blood pressure, which is especially important for people living with PKD.

Is walking good for PKD?

Walking is one of the simplest and safest forms of exercise for many people with PKD. It is low-impact, accessible, and can help improve cardiovascular fitness, energy levels, and overall health.

Should people with PKD drink more water during exercise?

Staying hydrated is important for people with PKD, especially during physical activity. Sweating during exercise can increase fluid needs. Talk with your healthcare team about the right hydration plan for your stage of kidney disease and health needs.

Can people with PKD use protein powder?

Protein powder is not always necessary. Many people with PKD can meet their protein needs through food. Some protein supplements may provide more protein than recommended for kidney health. A dietitian with expertise in PKD can help determine what is right for you.

Is creatine safe for people with PKD?

Creatine supplements are generally not recommended for people with PKD unless advised by a healthcare professional. Creatine may affect kidney function test results, and there is limited safety research in people living with kidney disease.

What should I do if exercise causes pain or blood in my urine?

Stop exercising and speak with your healthcare provider if you experience:

• Flank pain
• Abdominal pain
• Blood in your urine
• Dizziness
• Severe fatigue

These symptoms may mean your activity needs to be adjusted.