wanting to build up my strength after 2 mo sickness

[poolnoni]

I lost a lot of muscle tone after being very sick for 2 months. I still very weak and tired but I need to get my strength back.  Would it be wise to go to a physical therapist or could I go to my local YMCA.

[star queen]

You didn't say what kind of illness you have recovered from, so my first thought would be to ask your doctor what would be appropriate for you.  Physical therapy requires a doctors order, so speak with him/her about that.  As a rule of thumb, after an illness that has left you weak, just walking is a good place to begin.  You can sit on the edge of the bed or in a chair and do leg lifts and leg extentions.  You can grip a ball between your knees.  You can do arm lifts either on their own, or hold something like a can of soup. You can sit on the edge of a bed or chair with your feet on the ground for support and lean back slightly.  You will feel your abs tighten.  Hold there for a minute or so and relax. This is the same as doing a situp.  Whatever you decide to do, go slowly.  Give your body time to catch up after each new exercise before begining a new one.  Listen to your body, it will set the pace for you.