I want to lose weight and go back to the gym.Does anyone else manage to keep fit?

[kb281]

I feel to achy or too exhausted to go to keep fit now.I just about manage to get through my day working at a Primary school!

[charm81]

Hi.

I have always struggled with my weight due to high dose steroids and the fact that the nature of SLE and it's symptoms can make it hard to exercise.

From 2008 - 2009 I lost over 2 stones with slimming world and felt great. I also took up swimming 2-3 times a week as I couldn't stand the gym because I use to ache for days after a workout.

Then in late 2009 my kidney function began to deteriorate and was given Rituximab along with high dose steroids. Within 3 weeks I piled on 3 stones. As you can imagine I was very upset and felt as though my hard work was for nothing. I fell into a bout of depression as I was unable to exercise, was constantly tired and ate for comfort.

Eventually I commenced dialysis in May this year and have gone on to lose all the weight I put on and more by returning to exercise (very gradually) and returning to slimming world. Many people may think it is a waste of time to go to a slimming group but I am a person who needs that motivation.

The plans a very easy to follow and I eat normal everyday foods. Slimming world is not a DIET but a LIFESTYLE change.

Due to losing the access weight I am now able to exercise more easily. The best thing of all is being able to indulge in fashion again.

All the best whatever you choose to do.

Kind regards

[frog]

Hi, i went for my 6th month check up on friday, and asked especially about exercise, as i have joined a gym, and i have been encouraged to do gentle exercise, like swimming, use of the cycle, walking machine, and very light weights, just not to over do it, especially the weights.

It is good to try and keep supple, but dont over do it.

so i am giving it a go, and will see how i get on, I went to our christmas party last night, and i do enjoy a dance, but i must try to keep in mind, my body isnt so keen, to dance the night away, i had rather restriced dance moves,and the twist was definately out, but i had a lovely night. (suffering a bit now but thats the joys)

Sooo just take it gently and give it a go.

[Thaddeus]

Hello There

When I fell ill, I was super fit. And struggle to stay that way, but soon found the cost to be too high. I still 20 years on want to think of myself as a fit person. I do a very gentle stretching workout, using only my own body to keep the muscles in tone. There have been times over the years when I have been fit enough to run gently once a week, and even lift very light weights to keep in shape. But the key to recovery is management of your energy. Think of it as currency -spend only half of what you (think) you have and invest the other half in your recovery.

[deadasadodo]

Hi

I agree with all the answers you have received so far. Before Lupus I was a fit and active lady- gym, swimming and full of nrg. I piled on the pounds due to inactivity, steriods and comfort eating. Last Oct I gave myself a bit of a talking too and joined Tesco diets on-line (other diets are available!) as stated earlier it is a complete eating re-education programme- I lost 2 stone and have kept it off. I also have been following the NHS couch to 5K in 9 weeks- as I am taking it easy it will take me about 9 months (LOL) but I will get there! prior to this I used to "Power walk" two or three times a week. I too work full time and have a 7 year old to look after. I feel so much more invigorated after being out and working the old lungs- even if it is a quick walk round the park or a gentle jog round the block. Yes-do try and conserve energy-I am not as active as I was, but then again I am comparing a 30 year old me to a 40 year old me! Having SLE has taught me to savour the moment and enjoy.

Davina

[Jaxqueline]

I used to do strenuous exercise, now do Pilates for flexibility/relaxation/peace of mind, Zumba for fun and well being and walk the dog for fresh air and mobility, for me doing nothing does me no good. Just do what feels good but don't over do it. xx

[Ani-]

Hi,

I do yoga once a week, it is a great way to improve flexibility in a gentle way. It also helps with mind worries. The other thing I do to stay fit is to walk each day, having a dog helps me a great deal because he has to be walked whatever the weather.

From my research I have found that gentle physical activity, such as a daily walk, can be really useful for lupus sufferers. There is also research to suggest that many of us with lupus don't exercise as we fear the fatigue that may follow. I'll be writing more about this research on my website soon. I think the key is to do something each day. Even a 10 minute walk down the road is better than nothing at all I think. I also think it is about looking inwardly to see what you can really manage. Swimming is another lovely, gentle form of exercise. I also used to do Pilates which is great but unfortunately I had to cut down on my expenses and so I stayed with the yoga. I do also have a dynamo which lets my bring my mountain bike inside during the winter so I can cycle whilst listening to music or watching TV, I don't use it very often because walking the dog tends to be enough but it's nice to have it as an option!

I hope that you find some form of exercise that you enjoy, it helps release the feel good neurotransmitters in the brain too

Ani x

[TXJulie]

I HATE to exercise. But...I have already replaced all my clothes once and cannot afford to so it again! My weight keeps creeping up, up, up even though I eat barely enough to keep a toddler going. So a few weeks ago, I forced myself onto that treadmill in the other room, fearful of exhaustion, yes. I figured if all I could do was 10 minutes, so be it. Better than zero. But I managed 20. Skipped the next day, on purpose. Then, 30 minutes. I have kept it up with 30 minutes every other day but the distance has gotten further each time. I hate to admit it, but I really do feel better! I find a 30 minute comedy to watch on my iPad while walking and it makes the time pass quickly and rather painlessly. I plan on adding yoga after the holidays. If my dog will let me...she seems to think I get on the floor to let her crawl on me! A 65 lb. Olde English Sheepdog? Not likely! Maybe she is attempting yoga as well..