Need help with managing pain while exercising.

Don't know if this is something you have access to, but my answer to the same situation was a personal trainer. I'm also 62 and every time I tried to exercise, residual pain would build up and I would feel worse and worse. I questioned how that could be good for me. This time I started with a personal trainer who did a thorough interview with me about my current health, fitness, goals, etc. Then she tested me to evaluate where I was starting from. Week by week she taught me the proper way to build up fitness. I can't tell you how many things I was doing wrong - technique, nutrition, proper hydration (the lack of). It's no wonder I hadn't been successful. I've now been working with her for a full five months. I'm doing things I never thought were possible for me, WITH NO RESIDUAL PAIN! I have muscle definition, strength, balance and 14 less inches than when I started, 6 of them in my waist. Anyway I'm sharing this in case it might be of help. Good luck to you.

It costs me $160 for 5 sessions but considering the vast improvement it has made in all aspects of my physical and emotional life I consider it money well spent. Look for a training that has full certifications and tailors the program to who the client is. If you'd like I can ask my trainer for tips on finding one. She is exceptional so she might have some good info. In the beginning, I committed to weekly sessions, then I would practice what I learned during the week. Once you have a number of activities down, sessions with the trainer can be less frequent, which would be a way of controlling the cost.

Also, I'd like to add that I find artificial sweeteners and possibly preservatives aggravate my discomfort. The fresher and cleaner I eat, the better I feel. I'm not sure what it is about canned and boxed foods, but I don't do well with most of them.

I also have Fibromyalgia. I was diagnosed in 1990 so have been through it all and back again. I have had many different experiences over the years with exercise and weight management. What works for me may not work for you. I had to come to terms with the fact that I can't do it all without paying the price (pain). If I choose to do something then I am controlling that one thing and that is what I focus on. If I am in pain after doing it I know that next time I need to take it slower/easier. If I feel better after doing it than I do it again and again. The thing about Fibromyalgia is it changes daily. What hurts today may be fine tomorrow. Acceptance was a key factor for me. Letting go of what hurts when ever possible is a great strength to develop. Priority has great meaning. I get more enjoyment from playing Wii than mopping the floor yet both are sometimes required. My floor is probably not as clean as some but oh well who really cares? I would rather enjoy the aches of having fun than those of a clean floor. Do what makes you feel better most of the time, do what you need to some of the time and do what you have to only when you really have to. Life is too short and I don't think anyone looked back on their life and said "wow I had a really clean floor, that was living". Good luck and feel free to add me if yu want to.

I take Aleve daily, do gentle walking and you might also want to try Tai Chi...I love love love Tai Chi.... I am lucky enough to live 45 miles from natural hot springs so when my fibro gets really bad I go take a hot soak in the hot mineral springs. I live in an RV so no bath tub but soaking in warm helps me a lot

I have fibromyalgia and the longer I exercise the more the pain is increasing. I am on my 4th week of MFP and am up to about 1 - 1.5 hours of exercise including walking, strength and stretching yoga about 4-5 times a week. I feel good while exercising and just push through the pain but the next day I HURT. And it seems to be getting worse with each week. I cannot lose weight without exercising at least an hour 4-5 days a week. Please help me figure this out if you can. By the way I am also 62. Thanks! Dyanna

I have empathy for you. I've trained a couple of clients with fibromyalgia and know that from day to day pain can be excruciating or just a buzz. My advice is do what you can do physically and don't overdo. Pain isn't something that you have to endure to lose weight, just stay in good control of your calories. Good luck.

A.C.E. Certified Personal Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition