PMR and vigorous exercise

[Sweatbee2]

Anyone’s experiences with resuming more vigorous exercise - i.e. running/hiking/biking/XC skiing for 1-3 hours after PMR diagnosis/prednisone tx after resolution of severe symptoms

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I skied all through from the start of PMR. Each season I had to start from scratch - one day and 3 short runs the first week building up to 3 times a week and eventually to skiing all morning but long runs were always a problem - I needed a rest on the lift between times! But I live here so I could ... I eventually stopped after injury and then illness.

[PMRrunner]

I got back to jogging and walking reasonable distances within a few months of diagnosis and starting on prednisolone. I built up slowly, didn't push myself if I didn't feel up to it and allowed myself plenty of recovery time after exercise. I often feel that being out in the fresh air walking or jogging especially with others does me so much good both mentally and physically.

[Seacat30]

I started building up my walking distance straight away. I started with short distances every other day but later on liked to walk morning and afternoon to keep flexible. I have reduced my walking this cold winter and can feel the deterioration. I need to work it up again.

[christi48]

I tried 15 minutes on my rowing machine after several months of not using it. Used to be a breeze, but this time I suffered for a couple of days! That wasn't my return to exercising - I swim and use an elliptical machine and do strength training, but the rowing machine is a no for now...

[BrightBlueSky]

before I got ill with PMR I was Olympic distance triathlon training- I went from being the fittest ever and woke one morning not able to walk or move my arms. Once I had been diagnosed and started on pred I took my time slowing increasing my walking distance. I got in the pool immediately and did rehab exercises walking in the water- was bliss. Anyway, slowly by surely my strength returned and in December I completed a marathon 🏃🏼‍♀️. My training is different now and I listen to my body signals and ensure recovery is optimal. Any questions let me know and stay positive 👍🏻👍🏻

[TheMoaningViolet]

I skied last season in February when I was on 2 mg. I prepared for it by doing regular exercises for a couple of months before and it was fine from the very beginning, in fact I've never been more prepared.

This year, we are going skiing again from 11th and I feel less ready with some stiffness, lower back pain and painful shoulder. I am currently reducing to 0.5 mg. We'll see what it is like this time, but my plan is to take if easy as I feel a lot more vulnerable.

[Sweatbee2]

Much Thanks everyone- very helpful and trying to stay positive. I “live” to be outdoors moving for long periods in the beautiful places in Utah and surrounding states.

[msdale in reply to Sweatbee2]

My feelings exactly! (Native Western Slope Coloradan here (temporarily living in Northern Cali) - I am still able to walk, hike, etc. but I find I do have less stamina, and require more rest afterwards. Still, just being out in nature, even if for a less strenuous hike or whatever, is uplifting, and for me is worth the effort. But I do listen to my body more now and if we can't make it to the summit or the lake or whatever, well, we'll just enjoy the journey.

[pmr_nikola]

I was training for triathlon when I was hit with PMR. HUGE change in fitness, but as soon as pred help controlling pain I restarted training. Swimming ( for me) was the easiest to get back in, then biking and last running. Start as soon as possible, start SLOW and keep it in "recovery" mode and just focus on distance. Take your time. Listen to your body. It took me about a year to get back to the pre-PMR level of fitness. Moderate exercise helps recovery and promotes blood circulation. Even just walking and stretching ( which I do every morning) helps you to fell "normal". I am now off pred, 7 years older, but I still bike 3-4hs/week and swim an hour at least once a week. Had to give up running, knees didn't like it any more, but got a dog and now walking 3-5Km every day :).

[Ambler54]

We love walking and when away will happily do 12 miles in a day , average about 6 miles a day at home, but really struggled with my aches and pains for quite a while until diagnosed with PMR.The relief to find out what it was and the relief I had with Pred was lovely especially as it meant we could go back to long walks. My feeling was if I felt like doing it we would go ,if a bad day would still get out especially as the dog needs to go out whatever but just do less and slower. Nothing is better for the mental health than being outside so if you feeling up to going for a run etc I would say do it but listen to your body.

[WaltzG]

I was a very fit ballroom and Latin dancer before PMR hit. I kept trying as soon as could move again and now 2 years later back to 2/3 hour sessions .....I do get more tired but essential for my other health conditions and my joy in life

[calibriel]

What everyone else says. Gently does it, build up the time/intensity and listen to your body. Be kind to yourself. I’m back to swimming significant distances, but if I’m feeling it in my shoulders on a day I don’t push myself to do as much as I usually do. I know I’ll probably be better next time - it’s not worth the consequences of overdoing it

[Rowergirl]

I have carried on with exercise since my diagnosis in November 2021 mainly Pilates and general gym work including resistance training and weights. . Prednisolone in the main, covers the pain. I also row and competed in the SkiffieWorld Championships in the Netherlands in July without too many problems.

I have just finished a 7 week slow reduction from 6.5mg to 6mg ( eventually!! after an aborted attempt in late summer, possibly complicated by having just had Covid). I’m going to stick with 6mg for a few weeks though, before reducing again.

I have also been in a stage show last week with lots of singing/ dancing and stress, and apart from slightly achy shoulders in the morning, have been fine.

[pmr_nikola in reply to Rowergirl]

Be very careful at the dose you are, because below 6 or 7 your adrenals have to make up for the deficit in cortisol. The lower you go in dose, the harder it is to reduce. it took me less then a year to go from 15 to 6mg and another 6 years to get down to zero.

[Sweatbee2]

I am so unbelievably grateful for all of your info and support- it is so very happily energizing me to begin “living” again- SLOWLY while listening to my body closely. Ultimate goals are to be able to pace my 31 y/o daughter in the HIGH LONESOME 100 mile run in July, and/or, The WASATCH 100 -7 weeks later. She has last years San Juan Solstice 50 mile under her belt and did great. And really really want to do again the 10k at 10,000 trail run near Steamboat Springs Labor Day weekend.

[gingerraspiller]

I'm 64 - diagnosed in August 2022. Have continued my regular exercise. Currently at 7.5 mg prednisone. Yoga on Monday for 1 hr. Fitness class Tuesday Thursday for an hour. Pickleball Monday, Wednesday for 3 hrs (you do sit while rotating in and out of courts) and on the weekend, I usually XC ski or snowshoe for a few hours.

I have a bit of pelvic "twinges" - not really pain. And my left knee is very stiff so I wear knee braces for support. Both are probably PMR related .. but overall, doing pretty well. I think it is important to keep doing as much as I can to maintain muscle, balance and good mental attitude.

Hang in there everyone!

Ginger