Hi folks,
I’m looking to buy an exercise machine appropriate for my needs. I am very unfit and quite gym-phobic! I have FA and a problem with hip and knee pain (old age?!) I am still walking (with a stick or crutches) but pretty unsteady at the best of times!
thanks in advance 😊
🙂 After diagnosis …I thought it was a good idea to have exercise without leaving the house, so I bought an expensive treadmill.
This turned out to be a bad idea..the motion made my Vestibular issues worse, and I detested using it.
🤔 Since you already know specific symptoms may be affected by ‘movement/exercise’…it’s probably a good idea have a medical assessment first before any outlay.
🙂Other than that.. seated chair exercises may be the better option.
Hi I would vouch for a seated bike - I have one from Argos and I use it for legs on floor and for arms on a table I hope you can find it useful
Treadmill are no good for ataxia - I agree with wobblebee.
Regards
I booked in to gym with personal trainer and tried all machines. It's a very individual requirement so well worth it.. even if you only go once. Good luck and don't put it off. X
Hi Years ago I started off with an exercise bike, but I eventually gave up using it as it made my legs very wobbly. Swapped it for a rowing machine and I've been using it daily eversince. It is one of the best forms of exercise which not only for cardio (hugely important, because us ataxias lead a largely sedantry life). But also helping more muscle groups than any other form of training. Back, legs, arms, core, shoulders and more.... You won't regret it, I'm 56 this year and have a resting heartbeat of 48-50!
I visit the gym each week. Have attended exercise classes too (I recommend Otago). However, if you want to exercise at home, please look at low cost aids, as well as machines. A pair of dumbbells, a resistance band and a good programme of exercises, can help you maintain flexibility while developing the upper body strength that is important to Ataxians whose ability to walk (like mine) is degenerating. Will power is required also, which is why it doesn't work for me.
I’m also thinking of an exercise bike for the winter as conscious of not wanting to get weaker.So I’ll be interested in what you do.
I thought it might be better for me than a treadmill but agree with others the chair yoga has been good. Good luck xx
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