What Do You Do Regularly (At Least On... - Fibromyalgia Acti...

Fibromyalgia Action UK

59,344 members β€’ 66,390 posts

What Do You Do Regularly (At Least Once A Week) To Keep Fit / Exercise? This is A Members Poll by Skit: This Is A Multiple Choice Poll:

TheAuthor profile imageTheAuthor350 Voters

Please select all that apply:

113 Replies
β€’
TheAuthor profile image
TheAuthor

Hi guys,

I sincerely hope that everyone is feeling as well as they possibly can be today? I have some of my own keep fit equipment at home, and I also undertake some very mild and slow physiotherapy on a daily basis. I also presume my gardening helps with fitness, as long as I do not overdo things.

I want to sincerely wish everyone all the best of luck, and please take care my friends.

All my hopes and dreams for you

Ken x :)

charlie01 profile image
charlie01

I walk my dog daily for at least an hour. I am exhausted after the walk and in an extreme amount of pain but feel it's very important to keep moving. I swim 2to 3 times a week. I love swimming and if the water is warm, I feel the least amount of pain doing my exercise in the water.

I feel it's very important to do some sort of exercise daily. As the saying goes,

" if you don't use it, you lose it"

Charlie01

Reykua profile image
Reykua

Hello Ken,

I also love gardening - if the weather's conducive, spring cleaning (in frantic bursts - paid for in many spoons later) housework, cooking and decorating - all are considered as exercise by me - especially vacuuming or doing laundry - which I find both painful and absolutely exhausting!

Hope you are all coping. I wish I could donate spoons to all those who need them and borrow back in my hours of need.

Conversely, if anyone has found a way of converting spoons to ladles or spades/shovels - do let me know ok.

Delilah66 profile image
Delilah66 in reply to Reykua

Totes agree ! Vacuuming & laundry are exhausting these days ... I used to vacuum every other day, dust, polish, laundry, etc now I'm lucky if I can manage one of those chores a day. I truly miss having the energy and pain free days of 12yrs ago. Changing the bed linen is another issue - I'm 50yrs and feel like I'm 90 !

mysmugcat profile image
mysmugcat in reply to Delilah66

Thanks for this. I relate to it all. I'm not the only one !

Annunnaki profile image
Annunnaki

Chair "exercises" that feels more like stretching than exercise. And I haven't been able to get into it yet. πŸ’—

skit profile image
skit in reply to Annunnaki

Chair exercise can be more adventurous. Try conducting a pretend orchestra for the time it take a tune to play on radio or walking in your seat i.e. feet beating time.

ninjananna profile image
ninjananna in reply to skit

What a fantastic idea! I'm definitely going to be doing this one!πŸ˜…πŸ˜…πŸ˜…

kookie999 profile image
kookie999

I try to go for a walk and i go to hydrotherapy. I also went to the gym through my gp exercise referral but i had to give it up .It was taking me 3 days to recover everytime i went to the gym.

Dorimori profile image
Dorimori in reply to kookie999

Ditto!!!

sjjosey1971 profile image
sjjosey1971

I swim 5 times a week

skit profile image
skit in reply to sjjosey1971

Brilliant I only manage once a week as my swimming buddy can only commit to that. I lack confidence in being in the water unless someone I know is there also. We swim up to 32 lengths in 25 mtre pool.

twinks profile image
twinks

With spine degenerative and o/a in knees giving out, fibro fatigue I can't even start exercise and things are getting worse

Marie56 profile image
Marie56

I am still in employment so going out every day is a form of exercise for me. However, by the end of each day I am unable to do anything else.

mysmugcat profile image
mysmugcat in reply to Marie56

I understand this. It's exhausting isn't it.

in reply to Marie56

I think that is my problem. I do my stretches before work, the work and that's me done for the day!

Tory profile image
Tory

I go swimming in a warm pool 2 to 3 times a week. I find I can swim better than I can walk x

skit profile image
skit in reply to Tory

Hear hear I am with you Tory. I haul myself out of the pool and say to the attendant ' if I could swim everywhere I would be very happy.

Chickapea profile image
Chickapea

I go through a series of floor exercise and stretches that were designed to hit the muscles that cause pain.

Dorimori profile image
Dorimori

I couldn't exercise, I can only just manage to get around the house, I'm in too much pain!!!

Clumsy_Mrs profile image
Clumsy_Mrs in reply to Dorimori

Me too! I wish I could I loved to swim. 🏊

Loraine121 profile image
Loraine121

I don't really exercise as now on oxygen constantly i find it difficult to do anything but am seeing the physio soon so I am sure that they will be able to help me with some types of exercise.

Loraine x

ampositive15 profile image
ampositive15

I walk at least a mile every day. I practice Tai Chi at home

agtf1 profile image
agtf1

Horse riding, even if only 10min

sns1 profile image
sns1

I haven't the energy

Horse riding

Thunder1 profile image
Thunder1

All I can say is thank heavens for dogs 😁

Furry profile image
Furry

I walk almost every day, I do a stretch routine, some using a large gym ball and some yoga type stretches as shown by physio. I wish we had a warm pool locally, the local pools are freezing!

I try to walk at least once a week. I now go to yoga once a week which I just started recently. The relaxation part is very good for me. I struggle a bit with the exercises due to bad knees and back though, but it's a great class and they accommodate me very well. All worth it just for the pure relaxation.

ninjananna profile image
ninjananna in reply to

You will "sooohhh" benefit from the yoga I promise! 😊😊 I started at the beginning of the year after losing 4 stones! I try to do some every day, even a bad day! Good luck and please do persivere

francesco-P profile image
francesco-P

I find the more Exercise i do the pain gets worse for me I do walks the dogs twice a day,I find resting helps me more im still on medcations and injections every month, some days good but mostly very painful more down my lower spine and my sides one thing i have found a bit better for my pains is not to have sugar it does help with the pains a bit but mornings a nightmare for few hours.

Francesco

DistressedDebby profile image
DistressedDebby

I do gentle gardening & housework as my exercise. I do a bit then stop and then do a bit more. I love being in the garden and I think it makes me feel good even if I cant do the strenuous tasks.

skit profile image
skit in reply to DistressedDebby

A little bit of pacing is what we all would benefit from.

I do garden sat on a low stool with hand fork or trowel.

Cefn48 profile image
Cefn48

IIt's hard to keep up when u feel so tired all the time

Mad_scientist_ profile image
Mad_scientist_

I swim three times and do strength training (weight lifting) four times each week. If I don't exercise my symptoms get much worse.

lola1956 profile image
lola1956

I try excersise in my chair every day ..its not much but its all I can do

Disheartened profile image
Disheartened

Pottering. In my small front garden .

shooter1970 profile image
shooter1970

I would love to do regular excersize to try and keep fit but my body won't allow me to do anything that would be classes as regular excersize.

That is unless you could call doing my damdest to do my own housework which, even though I live in a very small 1 bed flat, takes me all week as I have to do a little then rest and the do a little more and so the cycle continues...

I tried swimming but it difficult to get there and then when I do I am terrified of slipping over on the wet tiles. I also have difficulty getting in and out.

Unfortunately when I have the rare days when I feel able to do more, I end up in a boom and bust situation.

skit profile image
skit in reply to shooter1970

Have you tried swimming shoes? Idea being swim and walk safely.

ClareCrip profile image
ClareCrip

For me walking down to the garage where I keep my powerchair counts as exercise, there are times when it is impossible. I also do bits of gardening, mostly sat down or kneeling, with sticks and stools to help me move. I potter in the house too, doing bits of cleaning. All of this is interspersed with lengthy rest periods, but I do what I can.

Well I have recently tried light house work, and ended up in a flare. Also sent my Trapezius and lower back into spasms. Back to the drawing board.

lmpieroni profile image
lmpieroni

i work part time that is all i can manage with fibro, i am just to tired to do anything else

Trikki profile image
Trikki

Like Ken I enjoy my garden in moderation which I believe helps physical as well as mental fitness. I do a bit of gentle muscle stretching and walk the dog with OH when I can.

belledelamoor profile image
belledelamoor

I do about 30 mins every morning & about 10 mins every evening of yoga, which I find really helps

whistler profile image
whistler

My heart wont let me exercise but plays up and makes me feel extremely ill. I would love to do it, used to do it and miss it, and continue wishing and hoping and trying and failing. Ah well, maybe one day.

mimiwen profile image
mimiwen

I do gentle stretch exercises at home every day. When I'm well enough I do them for 5 minutes once every hour or two, but not always up to doing them that often.

TeddyC profile image
TeddyC

Since leaving work 2 years ago I have gradually built up my daily dog walk to at least 5k a day. It takes me about 2 hours to recover. When I worked I was lucky if I could get down 1 aisle in my local supermarket due to pain and exhaustion. I am much better now, but I know that if I don't walk every day I will suffer more pain and muscle stiffness.

MariLiz profile image
MariLiz

My group exercise is Yoga. I don't always make it to class, but go when I can. I also like to garden, but have to be careful not to do too much.

Mackembabe profile image
Mackembabe

Hi

I can't walk my dog any more because he pulls to much the only time I can walk him is for his last visit at night when its dark then he does not pull, I do bits of gardening, housework etc which I think gives you exercise when you can do it, keeping mobile in any form is the best thing to do if poss.

Love & Hugs

Xx

ference50 profile image
ference50

I try to walk as much as I can but nothing works too many things wrong so it changes nothing

Angelseven profile image
Angelseven

Hi All

I do yoga once a week, gardening and look after my twin grandchildren three times a week - added to the housework that is my exercise.

hope you are all well

Moveonout profile image
Moveonout

I walk into town 5 - 6 times a week (7 mins) and do 10 mins on the flabelos machine (vibrating plates). Do all my stretches whilst on the machine, then 3 minutes on the exercise bike, and walk home

Shazzzy profile image
Shazzzy in reply to Moveonout

Hi movesonout, can you tell me how does the flabelous machine help you, I wondered about these after seeing it on TV ? Thanks

Moveonout profile image
Moveonout in reply to Shazzzy

Well 10 minutes on the machine is supposed to be equivalent to an hour's exercise. I don't really believe that, but I think it helps. What is good for me is walking there every day and getting out of the house. If I had one at home I know I wouldn't use it

crystalship profile image
crystalship

Before starting with this illness,i taught a gentle exercise group so i just keep on with the routines i made,by myself when I'm able.i also bought an exercise bike but probably don't use it as much as i did when it was first bought.depends on the aches really.just do it in moderation really.x

lolacat profile image
lolacat

Mostly swimming for me - I am lucky enough to have a health club very close by with a warm pool and steam room for after. I go twice a week to the over-50s sessions and spend 15 mins doing my hydrotherapy exercises (much easier than travelling to the hospital) and 15 mins swimming. I'd like to do more swimming - like someone else said I feel so much happier swimming than walking - but just feel shattered for a couple of days if I do. In between I use my exercise bike and do stretching exercises if I'm not in too much pain.

casamarty profile image
casamarty

I swim 2 or 3 times a week, pain is better in water.

I have 2 dogs (god bless them) I walk them twice a day for 20 mins.

I have a daily stretching workout provided by physio, I also do a small amount of gardening.

I cycle but I wouldn' call it a sporting activity...more transport and its easier than walking.

mysmugcat profile image
mysmugcat in reply to

Still good exercise :)

Midori profile image
Midori

In the Any other section, I walk about once a week to my local shop, about a mile round trip, and on another day I pay bills, and get essentials in the main town. I use my Rollator as I haven't the arm strength to push myself in my wheelchair. it has a seat so I can sit when I get tired.

mysmugcat profile image
mysmugcat

I do not have a car and walk everywhere. I do not generally do strenuous exercise with my lack of energy. Very occasionally bi go to the gym

I go to the gym* sometimes I can manage it sometimes not when I'm there.

I used to go swimming but messed an arm up doing boxing I'm a youth worker and had stepped in to help with boxing.

in reply to mysmugcat

I was told walking was better than cycling by a cfs team nurse, can't remember why, ha! So I think you must be on the right "path" walking everywhere.

Shazzzy profile image
Shazzzy

Wow, suprised how many dog owners are out there. I wonder what came first, fibro or dog.

skit profile image
skit in reply to Shazzzy

Dogs arrived first in my house but I did not have diagnosis!

Sharolina profile image
Sharolina

I do yoga postures and stretching many times throughout the day. Sx :)

Darkangeldeb profile image
Darkangeldeb

Hi folks, my first time posting. Currently I walk the dog every day, was going to the gym and swimming as I recently passed my driving test which has literally given me some quality of life! . . . However I overdone it and have been floored for the last six weeks or so, in so much pain but I'm going to the pool to just get into the warm water as it is the only place I feel normal and almost pain free! Afterwards I usually have a mammoth 18 hour sleep which I am trying to cut down but it's so hard as I just can't wake up! Anyone else have this? Xx

mysmugcat profile image
mysmugcat in reply to Darkangeldeb

A quick 'hi' from me :)

Darkangeldeb profile image
Darkangeldeb in reply to mysmugcat

Hi my smug cat, love the name lol

Darkangeldeb profile image
Darkangeldeb

P.S I got the dog as a way of forcing me to go for a walk! And she is the best thing that's happened to me in years!!

skit profile image
skit in reply to Darkangeldeb

I agree totally although I tottle behind the dog when at our local woods. Hubby takes them on longer walks.

ChocolateDawn profile image
ChocolateDawn

Hi all.

I have recently discovered the amazing benefits of Pilates. I go to a small class once a week at a local physiotherapist and cannot recommend it highly enough. It is a combination of gentle stretches and also incorporates massage! There are two other people with fibro that go aswell and we all have noticed improvements since starting.

I just wish I'd discovered it sooner!

hebden profile image
hebden

I used to walk, garden, cycle and do hydrotherapy but it has all become too painful. If I do anything I pay for a week or more afterwards. I love my garden but no digging for me because my knees won't let me. So now the nearest I get to exercise is when I do stretches on the bed with my dog He copies what I do. Not been on for a few days as I had a fall.

I hope you are feeling better Ken.

Hugs Joolz.x

jools56 profile image
jools56

By the time I have done the usual daily chores, laundry, dishes, taking in shopping, cooking lunch, trying to do a bit of cleaning, I'm usually too achey to contemplate further exercise. If I have any spare energy in good weather, I'll do a small gardening job on my list, but that's all I can manage or else I'll be twice as tired the next day, or risk a flare up.

pheonix2 profile image
pheonix2

At present going through Chemo so do whatever exercises (walking, stretching,etc) I can manage. But I found gentle swim and exercise in pool helped most.

skit profile image
skit in reply to pheonix2

My best wishes on health needs. Swimming is relaxing sometimes.

rosewine profile image
rosewine

I do exercises given me by a physio each morning. Last thing at night I donated thing exercises. I try to do light gardening twice a week.x

ukmsmi4 profile image
ukmsmi4

I am not able to exercise in the normal sense as I have ME and exercise makes me worse. The best I can manage is some gentle stretches whilst lying in bed.xx

sharonissexy profile image
sharonissexy

Meant to press the last option. I don't exercise as I physically can't, I can barely walk inside and have to use a wheelchair outside.

Hel52 profile image
Hel52

I do what I can to keep moving though a lot bad days come x

martithestar03 profile image
martithestar03

I would love to exercise but been in chronic pain and fatigue all the time

paperman profile image
paperman

I have put that I never keep fit, but on reflection, I help my wife with some of the housework, I cut the lawn although it is not very big, and a little bit of gardening. These seem simple things, but it takes me a long time to complete them, and I am in excruciating afterwards. I try to do what I can, because I was once told if you don't use it you'll lose it.

Ian

Fibrogranny60 profile image
Fibrogranny60

I baby and child sit my grandchildren as well as dog walking. I try and do as much as I can each day even if I do end up in pain and/or in bed as you just have to keep going physically as well as mentally otherwise you'll get worse. Give yourself something else to focus on apart from pain. I belong to a U3A Art Group and it's become an obsession. I love it. Keep going friends, you need to. And laugh; with others and at yourself. It doesn't matter. Take care. X

mysmugcat profile image
mysmugcat in reply to Fibrogranny60

I love your profile name :)

Fibrogranny60 profile image
Fibrogranny60 in reply to mysmugcat

Thanks mysmugcat.

Suejayne profile image
Suejayne

gardening and small amounts of walking

Kimmee15 profile image
Kimmee15

I go swimming 2 -3 times a week and find it really helps. I feel great when in the water but must admit I'm tired afterwards. It is so much easier than walking though which I find very painful. I also like doing light gardening which I have to really pace. I do about 5 minutes then rest for 15, so in an hour I can actually achieve 15 minutes! It makes me feel that I am doing something worthwhile.

ainep profile image
ainep

i do gardening when able

Ambertabbycat profile image
Ambertabbycat

I don't have any equipment at home that I actually use for exercise. I do like to hang quite a bit of things on my treadmill though. I do exercise a few times a week. I have quite a list of exercises I was given to help me, from PT when I was participating in a pain management program. None of them are difficult and I've been told if it hurts, stop.

My job is all sitting and my knees and feet start hurting when I walk more than a block, so that's all I do now.

Karen

Jess_121 profile image
Jess_121

I'd like to exercise more but the pain stops me

skit profile image
skit in reply to Jess_121

a little movement is exercise. Chair exercises can just boost your mood etc.

ninjananna profile image
ninjananna

I bought a yoga mat and DVD'S to follow (yoga and Ti Chi) I also bought a small dumbbell to do arm exercises when sitting down. πŸ’ͺMuch love to all....Ninja. πŸ’ž πŸ’ž πŸ’ž xx

clarecunnane profile image
clarecunnane

I see a physio and do streatches

I do stretching exercises everyday. Granted it will see not an lengthy regime but it does keep me flexible. If I do any form of exercise is causes more problems than it cures, maybe I am doing it all wrong :)

My aim is to be able to do a simple walk with my dog, not too much to ask for but it seems impossible to achieve!

Linjack profile image
Linjack

I use a stepper at home twice a day and try to walk for 30 minutes 3 times a week.Anymore is too tiring for me and my feet hurt.

DanielleGemma profile image
DanielleGemma

Hey,

Sorry but I can't see the multiple choice options!

I go to the gym for 30 mins 4 times a week with the intention of increasing to 5.

I do boxing, legs bums and tums, weights and spinning. I suffer a lot from it but I'm trying to lose weight, re build my lost muscle and keep healthy xx

Mack59 profile image
Mack59

I go beachcombing, woodland walks and am into amatuer landscape archaeology. Photography also gets one out and about :-)

I have sports equipment but very rarely use it. I just don't have the energy to do any physical activity. Instead I aim to do 5k steps per day.

phlebo123 profile image
phlebo123

What would we do without dogs??? :) I walk our dog a couple of times a day (about 20minutes )... I find I can cope better with 2 shorter walks rather than a long walk. My group exercise is hatha yoga once a week, and I swim once a week, and do some gentle stretching each evening. I really believe it is important to do some gentle exercise each day to help maintain some muscle strength.

Hands_1 profile image
Hands_1

I have paper exercises which I have from the health centre. I go weekly for one and a half hours on wed. then we all have to do 8 things twice a day. We have a lady who teaches us how to do it with a chair infront of us - was scared incase I fell outside thats why I joined. It is hard work but feeling more confident.

RoseMary-Alves profile image
RoseMary-Alves

As a former yoga teacher, I do my yoga at home the way I can now.

JANNH profile image
JANNH

Yoga stretching and gardening - plus walking my dog.

debs012 profile image
debs012

Looking at this poll, so many walk the dog or go walking. Well if you have a dog it will help you do gentle exercise, please though get to know a good dog walking service for the days where you don't feel up to the walk. Dogs also provide so much loving time, they are also good to talk to so help with low moods. Most of all people enjoy what ever you do regular, don't do what feels like a chore.

xxx

Orkney-fudge13 profile image
Orkney-fudge13

Been bed bound for some time now,to be honest if I manage to wiggle my toes & occasionally try to move my ankles I feel I've run a marathon,same goes for fingers & wrists !!! Sorry for not being very helpful X :(

Orkney-fudge13 profile image
Orkney-fudge13

P.s

I'm in so much pain & I find it's detrimental to my body & mind & soul,sorry X

Bambamsnan profile image
Bambamsnan

I do very little just standing washing a few dishes hurts so much or putting clothes away I find it impossible to Hoover or do a full clean sometimes just getting out of bed hurts I get frustrated with myself as I'd worked full-time and reared my boys on my own and no I can't even pick my grandson up

VonnyM profile image
VonnyM

Walking my dog

Hartleyhare2 profile image
Hartleyhare2

All I am capable of now is stretching out muscles and my back. As with many, I am totally locked up in the morning usually in pain unless taken pain relief earlier as woken by hip pain from lying on side.

I don't want to do it and sometimes have moments of dispair. But I know if I just start moving and flexing I will feel better. I start with my fingers which feel like sausages, stretching and making claws, then my wrists, toes and ankles. Then I struggle to sit up as lower back problem. I sit on side of bed and rotate neck and shoulders and bend at the waist a bit. Then I grab the chest of draws and go for launch! Sometimes I don't make it and plonk back on mattress, at least it's soft! When up I bend at the waist some more and flex my legs, then shuffle off for a wee!

I wash my face and teeth and have some water and first pills if I haven't taken them during the night.

I will potter around house during day between resting lying flat to help back. As the day goes on I try to stretch my back some more. I have to be careful as the area above my knees is prone to give way and I fall hard.

I'm 49 ex MoD, rugby player, accomplished horse rider, outward bound instructor, off road driving and playing with land rovers. I can't even drive anymore! I feel 89 yet people who visit say in suprise how good I look as if there was nothing wrong with me!

Patrick

Taffette09 profile image
Taffette09

I try an d excersise as much as my fibro will allow I have bad days still but try and do excersise then come home an d rest when can. Is it helping not sure but will keep trying. As long as possible .

PaleIndian2 profile image
PaleIndian2

I enjoy Tai chi at least once a week sometimes twice a week. I still have pain and it doesn't ease that but it is exercise that keeps me moving and that has to be good. It is very gentle and the class I attend is recognised by GPs so everyone who attends has been referred for one medical reason or another. It is also a good social occasion again this has to be good.

248kel profile image
248kel

I have just started do a exercise DVD at home called The Fibro Guys . I am on my knees with all this pain day in day out . As this similar condition runs in my family IE cousin .

Huff35 profile image
Huff35

6 miles a day but it always catches up with me

Bluelily profile image
Bluelily

My job involves being on my feet all day and rushing around etc. I find this is my exercise because after a day in work i am no good for anything.