Effects of Lockdown on walking

[Piero]

Until this awful pandemic I attended the gym three or four times per week. I concentrated my activities on my legs, spending time on the treadmill and leg-weights. I managed to continue independent walking for the eight years since the diagnosis, Being now housebound my walking has deteriorated badly. Is that deterioration permanent? If I were to purchase a treadmill for home use would my walking improve if I used the machine again? I'd be grateful for any advice on this.

[cocoa]

Lockdown has definitely had an impact on my mobility.

I cannot comment on the treadmill but just wanted to let you know that you are not alone.

[Piero in reply to cocoa]

Thanks cocoa. I suppose many in our community are perturbed by the fact that even modest daily exercise has become difficult. As your note implied, its comforting to know you're not alone. Thanks ......... Piero

[wobblybee]

🙂 Initially I made an effort to go out for daily walks, but then my husband started working from home, and the walks tailed off. So, I’m feeling pretty much in the same position as you.

I’d been using a Gym, and we did buy a treadmill years ago, it seemed a good idea at the time. But personally, I found as my ataxia progressed (obviously it depends on the type), I couldn’t bear the pounding and vibration. The treadmill is a heavier gym type model, so it wasn’t lack of stability causing the problem.

It’s hard to say whether your walking would improve, but it would help you maintain muscle, which is a good thing 🙂

[Piero in reply to wobblybee]

Thanks W/b. I know the instability and the sheer exhaustion will eventually triumph but I'd like to continue for as long as I can.

[pinjem]

I have a treadmill, not fancy, good with wide walking space, £157. If I cannot go out I use it. It can fold up too. I rarely run but it does mean I get exercise most days which is a positive thing. It does increase your strength and ability to walk further. Mine has rails I can stabilise myself with if I need to. It also means you can exercise when it is dark.

[adapting in reply to pinjem]

Hi Pinjem, which treadmill did you get please?

[pinjem in reply to adapting]

This one, the person in the pic 'must' be tiny. amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07...

[Piero]

Thanks Pinjem. The device you have sounds very suitable. Would you be kind enough to post a reply giving the make of the machine. I can't run but I now really need to walk as much as I can or I'll run the risk of losing the ability. Thanks

[pinjem in reply to Piero]

amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07...

[Hidden]

Hi Piero

It’s possible to use things like home stairs as a way of exercising the legs hips and back by using one step, you step up a stair and down up and down you can change legs you step up on so your two legs get the same amount of exercise.

You can walk up and down from top to bottom but I think it’s safer to only use one step. You can also work on helping with coronation by counting the amount you do, with every odd number step up with your left foot and every even number with you right.

I would also recommend having a look at youtube as there’s lots of exercises you can do from home at no financial cost.

Hope this is a help.

Take care my friend.

[Piero in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Paul, very sensible. You’ve really thought about the issue.