Varicose veins are mostly due to a combination of hereditary and acquired factors. Exercise only reduces the role of acquired factors and prevents varicose veins from occurring to a certain extent. Varicose veins can be prevented to some extent by avoiding prolonged standing and sitting, avoiding strenuous physical activities, intermittent elevation of the lower limbs and other exercises to help the venous blood return to the lower limbs and to reduce the pressure in the lower limb veins, thus preventing varicose veins from occurring due to acquired factors. Genetic factors include congenital weakness of the vein walls and valvular ischemia, which predispose people to varicose veins and can be prevented to a certain extent by exercise, but not completely. In addition to exercise, varicose veins can also be prevented by keeping bowel movements clear and avoiding prolonged coughing, which causes an increase in intra-abdominal pressure.