Exercise

[ali5son]

Was diagnosed June and responding well to steroid s and now at 10mg and so far no problems. Do a lot of walking as don't drive and was thinking of joining a gym as would that kind of exercise bring on flare up or would this help with PMR

[PMRpro Ambassador]

It won't help with PMR, PMR has its own causes, an immune system problem causing it to attack your body in error, and exercise won't change them. The pred is only managing the symptoms, it has cured nothing, and all you are doing now is looking for the lowest dose that achieves the same result as your starting dose did.

Your muscles remain intolerant of acute exercise so if you are going to do more, increase VERY slowly and rest for at least a day between session or you may suffer severe delayed onset muscle soreness - the sore muscles you get after exercise if you weren't trained. That isn't to say don't exercise, it is to say be careful. Walking is excellent exercise in PMR - the gym has its pitfalls.

[ali5son in reply to PMRpro]

Thankyou

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Hi,

Wouldn't suggest joining a gym per se. But classes for Pilates, Yoga, Tai Chi are all good, as is walking. But as PMRpro says, your muscles need a bit of TLC nowadays, not strenuous nor repetitive exercise, which a gym session is likely to be.

[ali5son]

Thankyou

[Slosh]

Hi Ali5son - I found that Aqua physio help me enormously.

[ali5son in reply to Slosh]

Thankyou

[Slosh in reply to Slosh]

To get some strength back that is.

[sennetta]

I go to the gym twice a week under the National Exercise Scheme - to which I asked to be referred (you can do this via your GP or nurse) There are pleasant sports specialists who supervise the session in order to make sure that I don't overdo things whilst making sure I am kept challenged appropriately. They also show me how to use the machines safely. I am going to bite the bullet and start going to the swimming sessions, which is a bit daunting for me as I haven't been in a swimsuit for about 50 years!! Has anyone here got one of those Victorian swimming huts I can borrow?!

I think exercise is very important for preventing osteoporosis - much better than more pills! I also walk quite a lot or rather I was before the summer holidays when I had to spend more time cooking and painting my daughter's bedroom and the loft.

I feel sure someone here will be along now to tell me I shouldn't be doing so much ;o)

I would go ahead Alison but don't overdo it. Build up gradually and I think you will be fine. Good luck.

[ali5son in reply to sennetta]

Thankyou

[DMBpmr]

I didn't give up gym membership after diagnosis 8 months ago. I cut down on the weights lifted on the various machines and don't overtax any muscles. Try Therabands at home first to test the ability of your muscles to cope. It varies from person to person.

[Ladybird25 in reply to DMBpmr]

I tried a pair of those bands on and I thought my arms were going to fall out of their sockets!😱Couldn't get them off fast enough!😆

[66Mac]

In my case walking and cycling have been the best exercise ,whilst I have had PMR , I have still gained weight even on a low carb diet probably due to the prednisolone.

I carried on at the gym for the first few months after diagnosis but found the repetitive nature of the exercise really took it out of me and once I got home couldn't do anything for hours because of the fatigue and tiredness.

The secret is to be very gentle ,not to push yourself too hard and have plenty of rest .