Fibromyalgia & Exercise

Whew, the last week has been exhausting! On Wednesday, I started a new job. I am very happy to be working again, but I am glad I had a few months off. I forgot how hard commuting can be! Thankfully, I am able to work part-time, and have days off in-between until I am adjusted to working again.

I celebrated my 25th birthday on Sunday. Of course, any weekend would not be complete for me, without grocery shopping and housecleaning, both of which wore me out.

Although I have been trying (and so far, succeeding) to manage my low energy levels, I still need to make time to exercise. As we all know, exercise is essential to wellness. It can even help to reduce the level of pain we experience.

It is important to remember that we all need to find the type of exercise which works best for us, and always check with our health care providers to ensure that we are exercising safely. Therefore, the definition of the "right" type of exercise differs for each one of us.

What Types of Exercise Work for Me

I try to squeeze in fitness wherever I can. Often, this means getting off one train stop earlier to walk three blocks to work instead of one, taking the stairs instead of the elevator and getting up every hour to stretch when I am working at my desk (and not out running office errands). I admit I find it difficult to stick to a regular fitness regime, but it is something that I am working toward for 2013.

When I can, I like to do a regular yoga routine, as well as other stretches meant to loosen up my hip muscles. Yoga helps me to relax, stretch away many of of muscular aches, and keeps me flexible. If you are cleared by your physician, yoga is an excellent choice for people with fibromyalgia and CFIDS.

Here is a CNN article from 2010 which states that yoga eases pain from fibromyalgia. The National Fibromyalgia Association also has an article about the benefits of adaptive yoga.

This video demonstrates a hip stretch I like to do to help loosen up my hips, which cause me a lot of agony if I don't stretch regularly.

Before I was diagnosed with FMS/CFIDS,  I was an avid fitness-lover. I had even began to run. Although I do find it difficult to stick with it, I like to run whenever possible. It helps me to blow off steam when I feel anxious or frustrated. Again, check with your physician to see if running is right for you. If it is, here is an article from LiveStrong about fibromyalgia and running.

I am fortunate that I have access to a pool in the summer months. It is by far my favorite form of exercise. I can swim laps or simply tread water, or I can walk the pool. I always feel great after swimming, and my orthopedic specialist as well as my physical therapist have recommended I continue swimming. If you have access to a pool, or a gym with a pool, you may find swimming to be a great low-impact fitness routine for you. If your doctor recommends it, here is another article from LiveStrong about swimming as a form of exercise for FMS patients: Fibromyalgia & Swimming.

There are many excellent forms of exercise available for fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue patients. The key is to make sure it is alright with your physician, does not cause you undue pain or discomfort, and fits into your schedule. It may be as simple as taking the stairs, or you may establish a routine at home or at a gym. Whatever you choose, it is a fact that exercise is one of the best medicines for fibromyalgia.

For more information on fibromyalgia and exercise, check out this LiveStrong article.