exercise issues

[Angelical]

hi does anyone else struggle with problems that make exercising hard to do. Any advice on how I can do exercise safely and comfortably as possibly

[Sarah_EXI Administrator EXI Support]

Hi Angelical and welcome to EXI. I hope that we can help to get you more active in a way that is safe and comfortable for you. If your doc/physio has given you specific instructions it's always best to follow those.

Some of the things that make exercising difficult are physical (mobility issues, fatigue, pain, injury, feeling out of breath etc), some are mental (motivation, anxiety, worry about injury, struggle with getting started, disliking the activity options you have), and some are situational (finding time, other care duties, lack of access to good resources, not knowing where to start etc)

For physical blocks: always listen to your body and your medical team first and foremost. It's normal to feel a bit of discomfort when exercising, especially when getting started - our bodies might not be used to moving in new ways and there may be a bit of soreness for a day or so when we've done something new - however, pain or serious discomfort are not normal!

For the mental and situational blocks: asking for reassurance, getting a friend to help you stay accountable, trying different activity options, and blocking off time /scheduling time for your activities can all help.

If you have specific questions about activity, your primary care team know you best, but if you are comfortable giving a brief overview of the things you're struggling with, I can ask Dr_Lou_EXI to see if she has any further advice for you!

And don't forget, little by little is the best way to go. Steady sustainable progress is the best way to make a lasting behaviour change!

Sarah