for those with fibromyalgia...

leshawnturner
leshawnturner Posts: 382
edited September 20 in Motivation and Support
i have a question for those with fibro...i am having severe problems with my energy levels and with pain (ongoing and everlasting) all day long...BUT I NEED TO EXERCISE TO LOSE WEIGHT!!!!! WTF???!!!!! My nutritionist has suggested that I drop my calories and stop exercising for a month. The thing is how do I do that and not feel incredibly guilty and depressed???!!! I'm really afraid that if I don't workout I'll end up gaining huge amounts of weight back, but when I do those hour long workouts or workout twice a day to get in an hour I'm almost crying from the pain...I'm confused and conflicted and I need advice...are there any workouts that I can do that I can still lose weight and not be in intense pain?? If I give my body this month off and stick to my calorie intake will I really lose any weight?? HELP!!!!!

Replies

  • lotusfromthemud
    lotusfromthemud Posts: 5,335 Member
    I would recommend you keep moving, but an hour a day might be too intense right now. Here's a blog post I did a while back, it may help.:flowerforyou:

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/blog/viviakay/view/my-fibro-protocol-9610
  • Sarandipity
    Sarandipity Posts: 1,560
    Hi,

    I don't have fibro, but I do have an autoimmune disorder that can cause intense pain and swelling when it flares up. Simply reducing calories will allow you to lose weight. I had to start that way myself. Even small 15 min workouts could cause a flareup so I started slow, even just walking or yoga/stretching. I found I needed to listen to my body and take it slow. I have gradually increased my activity and am continuing to lose. Hopefully there are some people on the site that can help you with more fibro specific recommendations, but hang in there. :flowerforyou: Don't feel guilty about just watching diet and not exercising, for now that may be what your body needs.
  • anglbebe
    anglbebe Posts: 89 Member
    OK Hi!..

    I have Fibro too, and while some days I can go for hours, and others I'm lucky if I don't end up in tears after 10 minutes. There is no law that says you need 1 hour of workout time. So maybe one hour of intense is too much. Try starting low intensity work out. Slow walk around the block for an hour, Or even 20 minutes. You might be doing too much for your body. Everyone is different and every workout doesn't suit everyone. If your hurting after any exercise. You might have to find another. I walk and do strength training. But due to my Fibro, I have had to cut out the actual weights. So I changed it to suit me. If you need advice. Feel free to PM me. Most nutritionists, and doctors agree. Any 30 minutes of daily exercise is beneficial.
  • leshawnturner
    leshawnturner Posts: 382
    To the ladies who commented (and anyone else who like to chime in)...
    Do you think its unrealistic of me to try to train for a 5k in April?? ViviaKay I read your blog and that was very motivating, I'll be using several of your suggestions, but do you think I'm being realistic in my desire??? Should I consult a doctor first before I start training??
  • lotusfromthemud
    lotusfromthemud Posts: 5,335 Member
    Absolutely, consult a good doctor.

    I would start very, very slowly, especially if you're not keeping up with your workout goals right now. I think this is the main thing. Don't set the goals so high that you exhaust yourself (a very real possibility for fibro folk.). You have to find that balance between self motivating yourself and just plain beating yourself up. (I still struggle with this)

    The difficulty I've faced is that if you set a time-based goal, it could be very difficult to reach. I was starting to train for a 5K, got very sick (plus a fibro flare up) and couldn't complete it. That being said, April is a good deal away.

    What have you been doing for workouts so far?

    Feel free to PM me if you want, too.:flowerforyou:
  • anglbebe
    anglbebe Posts: 89 Member
    I would definitely set my goals to little things and say the April 5k is something you hope for. But focus on getting yourself up to where you can do it at all. Especially since your having trouble completing one hour. I know I may sound harsh. Like they say there is no quick fix. Everyone's Fibro is different, just like everyone is different. I just don't want you to end up discouraged in the end and gain more weight.
    Like Vivakay said. Start very very slowly.
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