fibromyalgia and weight loss

wmcmurray61

I have fibro. It sucks on many levels, but I have learned over the years how to manage the disease. Weight loss will help and that is one of my motivations. Getting enough rest helps, too. So does eating right. I have lost 50 of the 70 lbs I need to lose to reach my goal of 140lbs. I have started weight training. They tell people with fibro to use light weight and start with low reps and work your way into more because anything more can cause a flare up. And here is the problem: Even using light weights (2 lbs) and only lifting one set of 10 reps 3 times a week I end up having a flare. Flareups are VERY painful and dampen my motivation considerably. So I am considering ditching the weights but I hate to because I am very flabby. It's frustrating. I talked to my doc about this and her only suggestion was that I just continue to walk and forget about the weights if it's too painful to continue. Anybody else struggling with fibro? Any suggestion? And if I posted this in the wrong place I apologise. Thanks, pals!

Maitria

I would give swimming a shot to work on the fitness angle. You can do "weights" in the water that are a lot more challenging than they look but without the same impact.

annehutson2

Instead of weight training you may find yoga or light stretching more beneficial at the moment and then move on to small weights at a later date.

wmcmurray61

Swimming is a good idea. I already do some yoga. Maybe I will amp that up a bit. Thanks guys!

canadjineh

I have FM too, and arthritis in my hands and spine - so I can no longer lift like I used to. I was a Fitness Trainer for over 25 years before FM and I will tell you, my lifestyle has changed drastically. I use Aquafitness classes, and Deep Water Running to keep fit, I can work as hard as I feel able to for that day and get great resistance and support from the water (and hit the hot tub after ) I still walk a lot and briskly, but don't run anymore...
- Some days it's not even a brisk walk, and on some days it's just my stretching program, but ya gotta do what you can, every day. FM is actually the reason I gained the 31 lbs in the first place, but it's all off now and I'm in maintenance for the past 6 1/2 months. My ticker only shows my maintenance range. You are welcome to friend if you like (please explain who you are in the request so I know where the post was from, lol). My MD, Rheumy, & I found going gluten free made a huge difference in my pain and energy levels. GF for 4 1/2 years now.

davis1sc

I've had Fibro for 13 years and I'm at my heaviest I need to lose 150 pounds. Any suggestions on high protein foods and where to start in exercise when your already having flare ups. My body is having a hard time the last few months