Fibromyalgia and Exercise

laele75

Six weeks ago, my doctor told me I needed to lose weight. She told me to work up to walking an hour a day. Since walking without my cane for more than five minutes makes me feel like I'm going to fall over, I went for a stationary bike route. I have gotten to the point where I can bike for 45 minutes a day without putting myself in a horrific flare. On bad days, I do 30 minutes. My doctor is pleased and encouraged by my weight loss so far. And happy I am regulating my diet on my own.

I am interested in strength training as well, as I am hoping to build up my legs enough I don't feel so damned wobbly when I walk for longer than across the house. Also, I suffered a back injury that caused nerve damage in my back fifteen years ago and I am hoping to regain some of the muscle in my right arm from years of disuse.

I don't care how little or how long it takes to build up, I was just wondering if anyone could direct me to any fibro specific guides or the like they've found I can take to my doctor and pain specialists for suggestions? As a whole, I've found their expectations a bit off, which is understandable because Fibro effects everybody differently.

Justacoffeenut

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/groups/home/11041-living-healthy-with-fibromyalgia

laele75

Thank you, m'dear.

*clicks link*

XXXMinnieXXX

I have fybromyalgia. Went from spending most of my life in bed, to exercising almost daily. Right now I'm just getting over two surgeries and in the middle of a stressful situation so I'm having a flare up. The best advice I can give is to just do what your capable of. Push yourself a little, but not too hard. As you said everyone is different, just listen to your body on a daily basis and do what you can. YYour doing fantastic on the bike. Well done! I will check out that link also!

Zara :-)

XXXMinnieXXX

Also as long as I don't do too much, exercise greatly helps my fybromyalgia and mental well being. Exercising is the single best thing you can do for yourself!

reddi2roll

I have fibro and I would continue with the biking for legs and also add squats, leg lifts with ankle weights, yoga if you can find some simple moves to start with as that will help with your balance and strenght.

laele75

Thanks. I was never the lay in bed type. I worked 40 hours a week until my pregnancy when downhill and my disabled son was born. The last eleven years has been taking care of him and just maintaining functionality. He's making some improvements, so I can take a little more time for me.

I will definitely try the squats and leg lifts. I will check with my doctor about the yoga. She was concerned if standing and walking were so difficult, I might have trouble holding the poses for the time needed

tracieangeletti

I have fibro and MS and wish I had concrete info to give you, but I have been just as lost as you are right now. What I have done is just pure trial and error. I would suggest starting sorta slow until you learn how your body is going to react. If you can bike without too much pain just slowly add either time or resistance and stay at that level for a few days. No pain? Add just a bit more. The key is really listening to the cues your body is giving you. Feeling tired? No problem, just cut back on resistance or duration some. It's a fine balance between pushing yourself just enough and too much. You will get better at as time goes on. For those of us with health issues getting in shape is a longer process. Be PATIENT. VERY VERY patient. I am able to do so much more now than I was able to a year ago. The strength will come as long as you stick with it and stay patient. Good luck and add me if you'd like!!