I negotiated with my GP a few weeks back and I've got myself a subsidised gym membership! Considering I'm living with Long Covid, I'm being no trouble to my local surgery and haven't seen a GP for ages. The recent bout of Covid plundered my energy, but I know that I'm better than I was a year/18 months ago and when on form I'm capable of more. I thought increased strength and stamina would improve both my running and my general fitness. The GP agreed it was a fantastic idea. So I'm being inducted into the local gym ... and all those terrifying machines!
I did a trial run on the treadmill this morning; only twenty minutes, but interesting to be indoors. Conclusion? I'll make a little walk on the machine a part of my routine, but will mostly run outdoors!
Research suggests that also good for COPD, Covid, and Long Covid is supine or diaphragmatic breathing. So I'm now seeing a therapist for massage and guidance in achieving the longed-for breath.
So this is me taking charge of my health. Watch these pages!
Written by
Gthants
60minGraduate
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That's fantastic. You're an inspiration, taking charge of your own therapy and well-being with everything you have had to contend with. Great to hear and good luck going forward.
Yes, me too! But this membership includes several free trainer sessions, so she will set up a routine for me, show me what to do and then adjust my training every few weeks. It's awesome!
Wel done Gthants, long Covid must be so hard to live with, but I am sure your determination to overcome it is the right way to go, on the days when you can. If I remember right, you were also in great pain with a rotator cuff injury, as I suffered similar last year. I hope all the physio has worked for you. It’s a long road back and I am still doing exercises every day to try and gain movement.
That's right. The physio helped a bit and a new lot of exercises I got a month or so ago have made a big difference. The trainer at the gym knows about the injury and is setting up part of the routine to combat that too. Is your rotator cuff sorted now?
Oh you must be so relieved. Thanks for the linkGthants . My current exercises are fairly similar to these but with the use of bands instead of using a weight or cloth. I’ve got another appointment on Monday so will see what happens next.
Well done for being so proactive and seeing your GP to discuss this.
I started going to the gym a few months ago and love it! I used to go regularly when I was younger and enjoyed it then too. My sessions consist of some cardio (usually on the cross trainer but sometimes the treadmill) and a circuit of the resistance machines. The gym is very local to me (about 6/7 minutes walk) and the staff are lovely. There always seems to be a real mix of ages there too which I like.
I didn’t want to lose any of my outdoor runs either - seem to be combining both so far!🤞🙂
Early morning seems to be the time when the older generation go to the gym. My wife's been a member for a month and sees the same folk just after the young workers have been and gone for the day. A lovely mix though and those who've got experience seem very happy to help too!
My breathing is actually fine and I have no COPD issues at all - the exercise I'm doing is just good for it. My therapist thinks my overall fitness and energy capacity would improve if I can utilise this breathing technique.
If I get ill with anything, my energy levels now sink more rapidly, but through running (and hopefully now other fitness routines) my bounce-back is swifter.
That’s brilliant 👍. I was really just asking as I worked in a respiratory team and we found the pulmonary rehab classes were also beneficial for long covid.
However, really doesn’t seem like you need it. Running is such great therapy in so many ways 👍
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Gym bunny in the making! 😀🏃♀️💪
Running on ice?
Brighton-ing up my life
