Fibromyalgia And Exercise

What Can Be Done To Feel Better?

One of the best things you can do, is exercise. Begin with stretching exercises and gentle, low-impact activity, such as walking or bicycling. Start your exercise program slowly, because at the beginning, exercise may make your pain worse. Some muscle soreness, is normal, when you're starting to exercise, but sharp pain, may be a sign that you have overworked your muscles.

Below are some exercises, worth a try:

Walking

Start slowly, by walking for 5 minutes the first day. The next day, add a minute to this total. Keep adding 1 or 2 minutes a day, until you reach 60 minutes per day. When you reach this point, walk for at least 1 hour - 3 or 4 times a week. If you find yourself struggling, as you're working your way up to walking for 60 minutes, go back to a length of time, that was comfortable for you and continue walking for this period of time, for several days. Then continue to increase the minutes again, until you reach the goal of 60 minutes. Try as many times as you need, to reach the goal of walking 60 minutes.

Walking / Jogging

After you feel comfortable, walking 3 or 4 times a week, you can alternate walking, with slow jogging. Walk for 2 blocks, then jog for 1 block, walk for 2 blocks, jog for 1 block, and so on. Do this as often as it feels comfortable. Extend your exercise for longer periods, if you feel comfortable.

Bicycling

Stationary bicycles (exercise bikes), offer the benefit of exercising indoors. Keep track of your mileage, or set a goal of bicycling for 60 minutes.

The type of exercise you choose, is up to you. The important thing is, that you start exercising and keep doing it. Exercise relieves much of the pain. Some people even find that exercise, makes all their pain go away. You will even feel better, if you have some control over your own care and wellbeing.

More information can be obtained at:-Fibromyalgia Network News