I know I need regular exercise, but even before I had fibromyalgia I wasn’t good about it. The only times in my life I’ve been consistent have been when the exercise was mandatory, like when it was a high school or college class, or when I had to walk or ride a bike because I didn’t have a car.
Now, with symptoms that fluctuate from day to day, I find it very hard to be consistent. I know there’s a ton of clinical and anecdotal evidence showing that with fibromyalgia, consistent, moderate exercise can really help, and I know when I’ve been better about exercising it has helped; still, it can be hard to find the motivation. On bad days, I don’t want to do anything, and on good days I have too many other things to do. If I’m cleaning or grocery shopping, that counts as that day’s exercise (and then some!), but too often I find myself at the computer all day. I end up with a numb brain and tight, achy, twitchy muscles.
Lately, though, I’ve been getting consistent exercise — I no longer have a choice! We got a puppy, and he demands it.
I know, you’re probably wondering what in the world I was thinking. A year ago, I wouldn’t have done it, but I felt that I was improved enough to deal with it (especially since I have 2 kids and 1/3 of an acre.)
Still, the amount of exercise I got in the first week we had him put me into a minor flare. It also activated some myofascial trigger points that had been latent (I also have myofascial pain syndrome), so I’ve stepped up my acupuncture treatments.
We’ve had him for about a month now, my symptoms have quieted down, and I’ve gotten into some better habits — when I feel good, I’ll go out and run a little bit so he can chase me, or I’ll take him for a walk. When I don’t feel good, I’ll stand or sit in one place and get him to fetch. On my worst days, I lay on the couch holding one end of his rope while he tugs.
He’s made exercise mandatory for me again, so I’m actually doing it consistently. The result is that I’m feeling better, my muscles aren’t as sore, and I’ve got less fibro fog. I’m already seeing some improvements in stamina and muscle tone. The flare derailed my diet, but now I’m getting back to it and I’m hoping the diet plus increased exercise will help me lose some weight.
Certainly, not everyone is ready for the “puppy exercise program,” but if you’re like me and have trouble being consistent, maybe you can find something that will make you get up and move for a few minutes a day. (Remember that we need to start small and go slowly! Over doing it, like I did, will make you worse.)
Have you found something that helps you be consistent about exercise? Are you still struggling to find out how much exercise is OK for you? Has exercise helped you improve you fibro symptoms? Leave a comment below!
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Fibromyalgia & Mandatory Exercise originally appeared on About.com Fibromyalgia & Chronic Fatigue Syndrome on Wednesday, March 10th, 2010 at 06:00:51.
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