Running, gym-ing, and breathing

[Gthants]

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!

[Sax64 Graduate10]

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.

[Gthants 60minGraduate in reply to Sax64]

Thank you! 😀

[Jools2020 Graduate10]

That’s all good news! I’d love to go to a gym but I’m worried about all the machines. Well done for doing it!

[Gthants 60minGraduate in reply to Jools2020]

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!

[Dexy5 Graduate10]

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.

Enjoy the gym.

[Gthants 60minGraduate in reply to Dexy5]

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?

[Dexy5 Graduate10 in reply to Gthants]

Not sorted but I had scans to confirm no tears, just impingement. My range of movement is improving slowly but still a way to go.

[Gthants 60minGraduate in reply to Dexy5]

After two physios and three lots of prescribed exercises I have improved more in five weeks with:

bess.ac.uk/wp-content/uploa...

than I did in the previous 18 months!

[Dexy5 Graduate10 in reply to Gthants]

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.

[Gthants 60minGraduate in reply to Dexy5]

Good luck & fingers crossed!

[Sandraj39 Graduate10]

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!🤞🙂

Good luck - hope it works for you too.🙂

[Gthants 60minGraduate in reply to Sandraj39]

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!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10]

Slow and steady and on you go...

As and when you are moving forward using all the expert advice... this post form our sadly missed, friend, IannodaTruffe, is still worth reading..

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

[Gthants 60minGraduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Thank you - that was a terrific link. I've saved the article and will mention it to my therapist - I think she'd be interested too!

[drl212 Graduate10]

Well done!! Congratulations on everything you are doing to improve your health in consultation with your healthcare professionals!

[Gthants 60minGraduate in reply to drl212]

Thank you!

[swim63 60minGraduate]

well done, Long Covid is pretty difficult to come to terms with.

Do you have a local respiratory team? Pulmonary rehab is a great program for COPD and long covid, might be worth looking into

[Gthants 60minGraduate in reply to swim63]

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.

[swim63 60minGraduate]

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 👍