Currently, I am doing swimming lessons every Sunday which I really enjoy. I feel like I need to do more. I am not comfortable with my body and the steroids I am taking has increased my weight a lot. I have stopped eating chocolate mini rolls for the last 3 days, which is progress, but I know I still have a long way to go. I wanted to do pilates this morning, I felt lazy and I was having severe back pain which made me reluctant to exercise.
But tomorrow is a new day.
Good job starting a few healthy lifestyle changes already! I find brisk walking, yoga and swimming laps at home for I am not a fast swimmer, have helped my overall fatigue, pain or stiffness and my mood immensely. Whenever I push my self to just go on a shot walk even when I am exhausted or feel ill I always end up going for much longer than just a short time for once I start my fatigue and pains seem to start to melt away. sometimes just getting started is all it takes to start the ball rolling.
So kudos for pushing yourself to improve your health. It takes time to fall out of shape so be easy on your self and be realistic that it also takes time to work at getting back into shape. Just keep doing small things when you feel unable to do a full thirty minute workout for it really does add up. I just read an article that said just getting up during tv commercials and moving around can improve circulation and help lower blood sugar and weight if done regularly instead of sitting through the whole show. Keep up your good work!
I feel your pain, at least you are doing something positive for yourself, we can only keep trying, I hope things work out for you.
Like you, I need to exercise - little bursts for me and not too vigorous. We have to remember with all the wifi that we are discharging the EMFs when we are moving. I suspect we will need to move even more with 5G!
What about an aqua aerobics class?
I use to go three times a week and that really allowed me to have a 'good aerobic workout' without upsetting my joints. I am sure you will also meet some lovely people too. I met some lovely folk. Folk who had a variety of conditions: inflammatory arthritis conditions, osteo, knee ops, hip ops.
After 3 years and now in chemical remission I continue with the swimming but have the energy and stamina to get out the pool and am now on the static bike + treadmill (uphill walking).
Ms. Freddi here....I love what you said..Tomorrow is a new day! I too am on steroids and would like to lose weight. I just turned 59, and it is not going to be easy..needing a hip and knee replacement but I am doing something to get in exercise. It is the something that is important. Before I turn 60, I am going to continue to do something. As Lupus Warriors we take it day-by-day and celebrate the small successes. I read somewhere that PAIN reminds us that we are still ALIVE! Some days I am REALLY ALIVE! Keep striving for the 'something'.
Following x as I have been doing weight lifting 🏋️♀️ not quite like that 🏋️♀️ well some times and I’ve been told to stop 🛑 tearing my muscles is a no can make it worse xx
I found that since getting sick, the pool and Pilates (on the machine) just a few days a week really helped with my pain (back, bum knees). Walking hurts, but on good days I try and get at least a comfortable 30 min in. I’m very UV sensitive so I go at sunset, which is actually made it easier since the pretty colors are distracting!
Long story short, exercise is cumulative so doing anything helps. I’m with ya on the steroids - was just tapered off after 1.7 years
- weight gain and food cravings. You just have to put it out of your mind and just focus on what healthy things you can do 
I used to be pretty intense with exercise, always pushed too far. Problems with my spine now so - no more weights. Now I walk and do yoga. Both are great for keeping up our strength and keeping the stress at bay. Takes a while to help with the fatigue but I’ve noticed improvements and lots of studies out there that it helps. Moderate exercise and diet. Just listen to your body - push a little but not too much (graded exercise) - and be patient and you’ll see results!
Consistency is the most important for me. I walk on a treadmil for 30 min each day. And watch tv to help distract from the boring task. If I can't make 30mins i take rest and finish later
Yes excersize is a battle with me too. I want to but always fatigue. While on prednisone indeed u have to be careful what u eat cuz youll get big fast or suddenly, it makes u hungry alot so chew gum or eat carrots. The bloating will go down once ure off. Soft hugs n keep trying to move.
Hi there, I used to be a member of a gym and would go about 3 times per week then I stopped due to the lupus becoming quite aggressive again, the water retention was bad again and the back pain was unbearable so I just quit. A few months back with advice from my consultant he got my GP to refer me to the local council gyms and I started back last week for 45 minute sessions doing just light cardio work. Steroids are down to 7.5mg soon to be 5mg daily and he says it'll be good physically and mentally for me to go back to the gym. Only you know your own body and how much you can take like we all know our bodies best but I do feel a lot better now I'm back at the gym. Take it easy and don't over do it but do make a point of pushing yourself to do exercise if you're fit enough as it'll help both physically and mentally as I was advised as you'll feel better within yourself for doing it. Take care.
Hi
I’m a fitness instructor with Lupus!
I agree with most of what has already been said.
When you have a condition we just have to take the ‘training’ more carefully but the same principles apply.
So don’t strive for too much too soon, and don’t always expect progress. Sometimes the illness will knock you back in a way that doesn’t happen to healthy people, then you have to be patient and take care of yourself. At the moment I have aFrozen shoulder holding me back.
When you feel well you can try and progress a little with your chosen exercise, whether that’s swimming or walking or weightlifting or dancing. I would recommend you do at least two things. If you just swim, you get swimming injuries, if you just weight train you get lifting injuries, if you do a mixture, you are less likely to get either injuries.
Thanks for the strategies! You should write a book. You have a unique perspective having a chronic illness but and understanding fitness principles.
If you are on steroids then the most important excersise you can do is weight bearing excersise, walking, to keep osteoporosis at bay. That is what I am trying to do anyway. X
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