Weight control and exercise, not easy when you have CA.

[wobblybee]

Like most women, my weight has gone up and down like a yo-yo over the years.

Two pregnancies saw it rise each time by a good 3 stone, although it did eventually

come down. After menopause sometimes dieting works, weight comes off but

never where you want to lose it. I used to like to play badminton, and that's when I

first became aware of problems with balance. I was 40, it would take another 20

years before I got a diagnosis of CA.

I definitely need exercise but in what form, what works when balance is

compromised? Any suggestions are welcome!

[Litty]

Know the problem very well.

I have an exercise bike and rowing machine - neither of which need too much balance. My neuro-physio suggests that I have a brief warm-up and down, I vary the tension and pedal backwards every so often.

I am not good at diets but my daughter has just developed a gluten and dairy allergy. I have greatly reduced my eating of them as an experiment. I THINK I feel a little better for it, but definitely lost some weight.

[silkwood]

I used to a lot of exercise with Gardening and walking.I lost weight initially with a gluten free diet but it has all gone back on as in the evenings I eat chocolate while I am watching telly or reading the paper.Not good for the waist line.I had to order some pull up jeans from M and S and even they dont fit.I feel like a walrus but at least I don't have to cope with buttons and zips.The idea of exercise machines sounds expensive.Can;t even get to the gym now!! Bugger this CA thing.

[wobblybee]

Our daughter is living with us at the moment, with all the stuff she acquired after moving out!

However, 2 useful items we are giving a home to are: a cross trainer and a power plate.

The cross trainer I can manage in short bursts, but the power plate is a horrendous piece of equipment! It's supposed to be very effective in reducing weight, but I swear it could shake your teeth out! We moved to our present house about 12yrs ago, mainly chosing it because of the fabulous garden. Although I was experiencing problems then, I was far from getting a diagnosis, just looking forward to enjoying the garden. It does take a lot of work, I've had falls doing it, and there's a water feature I'm now scared to be near because it's quite deep. I'm trying to steer clear of any obvious gluten as much as possible, but am not having the same success with chocolate! I like something decent like 50% dark, I can feel myself gravitating to the fridge just thinking about it! I bought some pull up jeans from Asda, normal width leg and also skinny, which I tuck into boots. I have had M&S in the past but also was disappointed with fit. I agree, buttons and zips are an absolute pain! I wouldn't like to put into words what I think about having CA!

[lindilu]

interested in any ways to lose weight; I have exercise bike and Wii.

[wobblybee]

Hi Lindilu!

Joanne has a Wii as well, although I haven't used it, what do you do on yours?

[diamond1]

Hi. I have a pedal exerciser which I use daily, it's one of those you use while sitting, so I regularly sit in the evening watching tele sitting on the settee and pedal away not realising how long I have actually been peddling for. I can alter the tension of the pedals to suit the strength I feel I have in my legs which varies each day. I feel this exercise helps the thigh muscles but you do have to use it regularly to gain any benefit .

Happy peddling & perceiver

Diamond1

[wobblybee]

Hi Diamond1 !

Thank you for the info. I probably would get more use from that than what we

already have. I tried a taster of Pilates last week, and will start beginners on

Friday. The hardest part of the session was comprehending the instructions!