WHAT DO PEOPLE USUALLY DO FOR EXERCISE IF ANYTHING?
I usually feel horrible after any type of exercise, even walking unless it's short. My rheumatologist advised against yoga bc of my back. Needless to say I have gained a lot of weight since hitting middle age at the same time as being dx'd with fibro/CFS/arthritis and my activity level went way down.
In the last year I was on a med that caused me to gain another 40lbs., and with that, high blood pressure. This month my blood test came back with high cholesterol & high blood sugar, too, and that got my attention as the "deadly trio" hbp, cholestertol & sugar together. Scary!
Swimming was suggested. That brings on it's own problems. Like PAYING for a gym with a pool on SSI is a real tight squeeze, speaking of which...BATHING SUITS. :(
For me, it is walking the dogs or yes, swimming, but I live next to at least 2 swimming lakes & just what is wrong with swimming suits??? I also wear a swimming cap much to my teen sons' embarrassment!
Hi Liz. Swimming is great for us. I go to a nearby community college. I pay as I go and it works out good. Well, when I'm going. I will start going again this summer. Warm water pools are recommended for us and for arthritis people. If there is an arthritis certified class it would wonderful for you. I totally get the swimsuit thing. But, when I get there and do it its so good and it's so worth it.
Walking is good too. Starting at short distances and gradually adding time to your walk.
Do you have a YMCA close to you? If so, check them out because they base your fees on your income. My mom was on SSI and she could afford what ever they charged her. And they also have swim classes for people with Arthritis. And some have warm water pools and cold water pools if one helps you more than the other.
As far as what I do for exercise the answer is NOTHING! I'm so bad and I know I need to move more but don't have the energy.
Do you have insurance? My doctor sent me to physical therapy for 6 weeks and they showed me stretches to start out with before i get out of bed and they really helped. I also went to pool therapy i dont wear pants so i wore capri pants and a tee shirt in the pool Its the only pair i own.
I walk too when the weather permits. I have a large dog who loves to stroll, so the walks are usually slow but it is movement. We walk for 15 minutes to 40 depending on my energy and pain levels. I also use a stationary recumbent bike. I have osteo in my knees and I find the bike to be a miracle worker. Pedaling on this bike doesn't hurt my knees, although my bum starts to hurt after 20 minutes LOL. I do 15 minutes or so a few times a week. It keeps my knees and hips lubricated and I went from severe pain in one knee to walking like a normal person. And the endorphins are great - nature's feel good drug. Wish you the best with whatever exercise you choose.
I'm haven't done regular exercise in a long time. I use to take a water arthritis class and it was the best thing I've ever done. I got really sick and also couldn't afford the class, so I quit. I have gained so much weight back too. The YMCA is a distance away, so I don't go there anymore. If you can find a place with a warm water pool, the arthritis class is the one to take. It is gentle and the water holds your weight. The hot tub is awesome too. Hope you find something you can do. Hugs!
Right now I’m doing Zumba. I like it because sometimes I forget that I have Fibromyalgia, I love dancing that’s why it’s so uplifting every time I go to it. It’s free where I’m, so I’m not spending any money. If you like dancing and aerobics I recommend you Zumba. Good luck. Take care.
Soft and caring hugs.
Yndira
Good idea, I'm going to check the community college near me. However, for classes they charge $81 per semester unit so if they make you register as a class I won't be able to do it there. There is a YMCA not far, but it's the screwiest thing I've heard of. The Y doesn't own the pool, even though it's on their property. It was built by the local school district and dedicated 1st to HS practices and official swim meets. So the pool hours are varied and it's pretty full. Plus, it's an outdoor pool it's already summer in the 90's here in AZ, already too hot for an outdoor pool and besides, one of my meds I can't be in the sun, anyway. Unfortunately! There is an arthritis pool, but you have to have a doctor referral. I'll see if mine will. So far he's been awful about everything and specifically complained I require too many referrals....so we'll see. Yeah I'm exhausted and sore!! Thanks you guys!