Cycling

[Peytonjane]

Anyone out know if bike riding helps with the stress, pain and weakness of fibro.

[Jaxinpain]

I would have thought any exercise that helps you personally is fine, but the majority of fibromyalgia sufferers would be in too much pain to even contemplate this type of exercise x

[cas1975 in reply to Jaxinpain]

No..... one would think that this is the case...... i do understand how this would be logical. but it is just the opposite. and this is coming from someone that is not naturally very physical or capable.... and must push myself to fit in exercise. but if i have admitted anything about fibro the last 14 yrs. that i didn't want to... it is that exercising is very important. Top 3: swimming best, walking and biking. Stretching afterwards very important. and weight lifting is good too. I do machines with extremely light weight. It feels very good to have only 3 lbs. on a back machine where i go backwards ...... it stretches out my back and feels great.

[Jaxinpain in reply to cas1975]

I try to Aqua jog at least twice a week and find this is best for me. It helps me mainly with back, hip and knee pain. Just doing this has helped me lose two stone in just over the three months I have been doing it which is a bonus if your meds like mine have made you put on weight. After suffering for ten years I think exercise is the key. Only you know what your body is capable of

[cas1975]

YES!! Biking is very good for fibro!! One of the best actually. it takes the weight off of your body ..... especially hips. but a word of importance/caution. it can be hard on your shoulders, depending on where/how you handle bars are. so.... try to have a bike where you are sitting up as much as possible and have the handle bars adjusted so that your shoulders are not up, but as straight across, in line with you body as possible. also... my bike is a 'step in' .... meaning that i don't have a bar across and can step my right leg in, and stand up with both feet on ground, while standing 'inside' my bike when stationary..... hope that makes sense!! i also have larger tires.... not racers.... so that when i hit sand/gravel, etc. it has more stability to get thru it without 'weaving' so much and getting my off balance...... since balance is my BIG issue when biking... Good Luck and..... GO FOR IT!!!

[Admin_AFMCG Partner]

Hello Peytonjane,

Welcome to AFMCG

Gentle exercise is considered beneficial for Fibro and can increase exercise intolerance issues. The only reservation in my opinion with cycling is the saddle and the fact that some people living with Fibro experience Coccydinia (associated condition).

Please see link;

nhs.uk/Conditions/coccydini...

The reports seem to suggest Hydrotherapy & swimming as some of the best forms of exercise as no impact.

I hope this helps and I am sure others will share their experiences too

Best Wishes

Emma