Aa
What do you do for exercise?
The New Year always brings with it the round of commercials and articles nudging us to turn our physical well being around with exercise and diets. I just saw a PT yesterday for my bursitis hip and she gave me a set of exercises to do at home.
While I was doing foot-pumps and leg lifts to fire my hip muscles., I was wondering what others do to keep active.
We all have varying degrees of physical abilities - so don't be embarassed if you can't tell us you ran the NY marathon or do ballroom dancing three times a week. No matter how small or large, everything counts toward being active.
So please share with us some of the ways that you keep moving ...........
Lulu
While I was doing foot-pumps and leg lifts to fire my hip muscles., I was wondering what others do to keep active.
We all have varying degrees of physical abilities - so don't be embarassed if you can't tell us you ran the NY marathon or do ballroom dancing three times a week. No matter how small or large, everything counts toward being active.
So please share with us some of the ways that you keep moving ...........
Lulu
Well, I have this trick that makes things go faster. Up down up down up down. My eyelids get a great workout! The rest of me, not so much.
Seriously, I'm glad you're keeping this thread alive, Lu, because we all need it. Right now I'm sidelined because of this bad ankle fracture, though I will be starting PT next week. Really need that if I'm ever to walk normally again.
Before all that happened, I was seriously considering joining a limited program at a local gym with all possible facilities. They have an offering of 60 days for $60, where you take a specific class a couple of times a week with a trainer right there assessing what you need. It's good for really out of shape people like me as a means of getting started back to fitness.
The place is very expensive for ongoing membership, so I'd probably pick somewhere else for that.
In general I've been good about fitness. Most recently I belonged to Curves and went quite often for almost 4 years. Then I saw I wasn't really improving anymore at anything, and meanwhile my pain and fatigue from MS were getting worse. I stopped going regularly, which was probably a big mistake. For the past 18 months or so I've done basically nothing.
That got me, and no doubt many others like me, into a major Catch-22. If I didn't exercise I got worse, and the worse I got the more I didn't exercise. Meanwhile meds and a sedentary lifestyle were helping me pile on the weight. My entire younger life was spent as a slender woman, but no longer. I'm not huge but I sure am pudgy.
Because of my diminishing health and accompanying diminishing life structure, I've gotten myself into some bad habits, particularly on the food front. I need to change all this and I will.
A problem I've had consistently over the years is too much of an all or nothing mentality. Got to change that too. I'm finding that in dealing with my current fracture limitations that I can make things happen by setting small goals and sticking to them. No more imagining myself as a major hiker-person, at least at the moment. It will be a good week more before I can walk at all without a walker. Then, sometime after that, I can get my dog back because I'll be able to walk her too. And so on. Little things make it all less overwhelming, and I tend to get overwhelmed rather easily.
So these are my thoughts and resolutions. Any of you who'd like to prod me with questions and encouragement---that'd be more than welcome.
ess
Seriously, I'm glad you're keeping this thread alive, Lu, because we all need it. Right now I'm sidelined because of this bad ankle fracture, though I will be starting PT next week. Really need that if I'm ever to walk normally again.
Before all that happened, I was seriously considering joining a limited program at a local gym with all possible facilities. They have an offering of 60 days for $60, where you take a specific class a couple of times a week with a trainer right there assessing what you need. It's good for really out of shape people like me as a means of getting started back to fitness.
The place is very expensive for ongoing membership, so I'd probably pick somewhere else for that.
In general I've been good about fitness. Most recently I belonged to Curves and went quite often for almost 4 years. Then I saw I wasn't really improving anymore at anything, and meanwhile my pain and fatigue from MS were getting worse. I stopped going regularly, which was probably a big mistake. For the past 18 months or so I've done basically nothing.
That got me, and no doubt many others like me, into a major Catch-22. If I didn't exercise I got worse, and the worse I got the more I didn't exercise. Meanwhile meds and a sedentary lifestyle were helping me pile on the weight. My entire younger life was spent as a slender woman, but no longer. I'm not huge but I sure am pudgy.
Because of my diminishing health and accompanying diminishing life structure, I've gotten myself into some bad habits, particularly on the food front. I need to change all this and I will.
A problem I've had consistently over the years is too much of an all or nothing mentality. Got to change that too. I'm finding that in dealing with my current fracture limitations that I can make things happen by setting small goals and sticking to them. No more imagining myself as a major hiker-person, at least at the moment. It will be a good week more before I can walk at all without a walker. Then, sometime after that, I can get my dog back because I'll be able to walk her too. And so on. Little things make it all less overwhelming, and I tend to get overwhelmed rather easily.
So these are my thoughts and resolutions. Any of you who'd like to prod me with questions and encouragement---that'd be more than welcome.
ess
We had 12 people at last week's MS swim - so it is going great. The people in the water are having so much fun and getting a good workout, too. Fortunately our pool has steps into the water in a couple places, making entrance easy for those of us who wouldn't be so graceful on a ladder.
My MSologist says the one exercise he would have everyone of his patients do would be get in the water. I wish we could everyone here into the pool, too.
What's everyone else doing to keep moving? And shoveling snow does not count!!! LOL
My MSologist says the one exercise he would have everyone of his patients do would be get in the water. I wish we could everyone here into the pool, too.
What's everyone else doing to keep moving? And shoveling snow does not count!!! LOL
Thanks Lu. I am still going. I do like it. This morning was a big off, almost fell trying to get to the ladder. Have to be more careful. I am a bit off balance from "who knows what", but at least I am moving. I am LOVING the water, and the stretching. Feels really good.
Thanks. How is your water class going?
Thanks. How is your water class going?
my oldest son (almost 15) recently joined a gym. They ahave lots of swim aerobics, which is what I do. My son does the machines. He is trying to bulk up while I am trying to bulk down. It has been great. I have been doing it even with my double vision, figure I cant hurt myself or any one in the water.''
So that is my latest on moving my big butt around. I have gained lots of weight in the past years or so, and ALL my docs are really pushing me to lost it. They tell me a wheelchair will come sooner rather than later if I dont start to control this weight and start moving. Eough said. Hope I continue to be motivated. So far so good.
So that is my latest on moving my big butt around. I have gained lots of weight in the past years or so, and ALL my docs are really pushing me to lost it. They tell me a wheelchair will come sooner rather than later if I dont start to control this weight and start moving. Eough said. Hope I continue to be motivated. So far so good.
Lu and all,
Lately, all I do for exercise is "think" about it, lol
That's got to be the bare minimum of all minimums where exercise is concerned. Ya think?
-shell
Lately, all I do for exercise is "think" about it, lol
That's got to be the bare minimum of all minimums where exercise is concerned. Ya think?
-shell
I'm just now starting to get back into physical things. Did a little yoga this week, but mostly I've been working on relaxation with self-hypnosis and doing a little lymphatic drainage massage. I don't know if it will help, but it can't hurt. Mostly working on intake right now - lots of water. Since the dry spinal tap, I'm making a point to drink a glass of water every time I pass through the kitchen.
I might just pull out my stepper tomorrow if feeling up to it and doing a little of that old fashioned The Firm. I love those workouts. And my butt disappeared over the last three months! I want it back! I've been reading that body fat contributes to inflammatory processes, so now I have the goal of becoming a lean, mean, workout machine once again.
I might just pull out my stepper tomorrow if feeling up to it and doing a little of that old fashioned The Firm. I love those workouts. And my butt disappeared over the last three months! I want it back! I've been reading that body fat contributes to inflammatory processes, so now I have the goal of becoming a lean, mean, workout machine once again.
Yoga!!! I've been practicing since I was 12, way before I had any MS symptoms, and I believe it's going to keep me mobile and stretchier longer than if I didn't practice. I vary my practice - one day I'll work on hip openers, another day, hamstrings, shoulders, back strengtheners, forward bends (great for calmng after listening to MacNeil-Lehrer), I do my balance poses against a wall.
Cycling - I only do this if my balance issues are OK, and the weather isn't too wet, or hot in the summertime.
Wii Fit - DH and I got this for each other for Solstice. The balance games are challenging for me! It's actually easier to ride my bike! The other games are fun, too, and it's something he and I can so together. I think the balance games will help in the long run.
Cycling - I only do this if my balance issues are OK, and the weather isn't too wet, or hot in the summertime.
Wii Fit - DH and I got this for each other for Solstice. The balance games are challenging for me! It's actually easier to ride my bike! The other games are fun, too, and it's something he and I can so together. I think the balance games will help in the long run.
I like the yelling at the TV does standing up and gesculating at the News count, seriously we had to parental block it to keep me from having a stroke!
The balance ball gets me in trouble I start rolling backwards and end up in the kitchen hitting my head on the tile. I never was graceful.
Sounds great everyone.!
Alex
The balance ball gets me in trouble I start rolling backwards and end up in the kitchen hitting my head on the tile. I never was graceful.
Sounds great everyone.!
Alex
I too am impressed with all that you all are doing. Great job! I walk around the house when I can and stand to do the dishes and sometimes vacuum. I also stretch a couple of times a day. I stretch while in bed in the morning and then later in the day.
Red
Red
I hear that looking at women's... uh... mammary glands... is as good for you as a brisk walk.
Before 2 yrs ago, I used to be extremely active. I used to play on baseball & softball teams. And I would run the Sound to Narrows race in WA (12K) and bike for 20 miles at a time. I'd also do P90X religiously every day for about an hour a day.
Now, we walk our husky about 1/2 hour a day (we recently found out that my partner has dystonia - it's a neurological movement disorder like Parkinson's). I try to do free-weights and use our weight system every now and then. I guess I could count going up & down our stairs, since we have 2-flights.
And we don't ride our horse anymore, because she has sarcoids and Cushing's Disease. But I can probably count grooming her.
-Kelly
Now, we walk our husky about 1/2 hour a day (we recently found out that my partner has dystonia - it's a neurological movement disorder like Parkinson's). I try to do free-weights and use our weight system every now and then. I guess I could count going up & down our stairs, since we have 2-flights.
And we don't ride our horse anymore, because she has sarcoids and Cushing's Disease. But I can probably count grooming her.
-Kelly
Johnnie, that most certainly does count as aerobic exercise because I know the heart rate quickens and the pulse rises during those horrible calls by the coaches and the refs. The dropped passes and fumbled balls are almost as good as doing jumping jacks! LOL
Wobbly, meditation, yoga, relaxation techniques count too. Quieting the mind is a type of exercise.
I'm impressed by the variety of activities that you all do. Keep up the good work.
Wobbly, meditation, yoga, relaxation techniques count too. Quieting the mind is a type of exercise.
I'm impressed by the variety of activities that you all do. Keep up the good work.
I haven't been doing much lately, but I hope to get back into my Yoga. Walking is too difficult, I also would like to start swimming again, but with my Vertigo being so bad I'm nervous about doing that.
take care
wobbly
take care
wobbly
Great question,
Does standing up and yelling at the T.V. during NFL games count?
I try to swim twice a week, and do light weights at the gym and my wife goes with me & I have the bike I try to use at home, during the summer if it's not to hot out I really enjoy yard work & taking my dog for walks.
Now here in few more hours I get use my snow blower..
take care
John
Does standing up and yelling at the T.V. during NFL games count?
I try to swim twice a week, and do light weights at the gym and my wife goes with me & I have the bike I try to use at home, during the summer if it's not to hot out I really enjoy yard work & taking my dog for walks.
Now here in few more hours I get use my snow blower..
take care
John
I go to the YMCA as much as possible. Now that the holidays are over, maybe I can get back to a regular routine. But I shouldn't fool myself - the main reason I don't go all the time is fatigue. But MS fatigue doesn't get worse when I work out, so I should go anyway. So I keep telling myself.
So at the YMCA I've been doing the elliptical trainer. It gives me the most workout while keeping me from having to move my feet. I used to run, but now even running on the treadmill is dangerous - I keep dragging my feet, and tripping. I just can't get into the stationary bike. It would be safer for me, but the workout just isn't enough.
I also lift weights. I stay away from the leg lifts, and stick with the back, arms, shoulders, and waist. I also have an inner thigh-outer thigh routine. Presumably muscle burns calories while it's just sitting there, so I would have a higher metabolic rate if I build more muscle.
I'm going to have to get back into it. I've gained five pounds over the holidays, and that's always disappointing. I can try to eat less (maybe dieting on the weekends will help!) but I should try to stay around 1500 calories a day.
So at the YMCA I've been doing the elliptical trainer. It gives me the most workout while keeping me from having to move my feet. I used to run, but now even running on the treadmill is dangerous - I keep dragging my feet, and tripping. I just can't get into the stationary bike. It would be safer for me, but the workout just isn't enough.
I also lift weights. I stay away from the leg lifts, and stick with the back, arms, shoulders, and waist. I also have an inner thigh-outer thigh routine. Presumably muscle burns calories while it's just sitting there, so I would have a higher metabolic rate if I build more muscle.
I'm going to have to get back into it. I've gained five pounds over the holidays, and that's always disappointing. I can try to eat less (maybe dieting on the weekends will help!) but I should try to stay around 1500 calories a day.
I am not a gym bunny but joined a lovely spa/gym in September to encourage me to get a little fitter. I have not lost any weight so have given up trying or checking weight, but I do feel a little fitter. I see a very nice personal trainer once a month for a programme review and all I do a 30 minute routine in the gym including treadmill, bike, rower, weight machine (not sure proper name) and some floor work including sit ups. I then do 20 lengths in the swimming pool and spoil it all be having a cafe latte afterwards. I try and go twice a week which is just 2 hours of exercise a week so I know I should be working on increasing this very slowly but my gym routine is getting harder and very slightly longer each month but he knows about my MS so we are taking it carefully.
I am also able to have treatments (and "treat" being the operative word) and have a massage from time to time which is heaven and is my reward for my effort in the dreaded gym!
This is the longest that I have ever kep any exercise up and I know is helped by seeing a trainer once a month who keeps me on tract and looks at my month's efforts which are all recorded on a special key/computer system which is much too high tech for me to understand!
I am also able to have treatments (and "treat" being the operative word) and have a massage from time to time which is heaven and is my reward for my effort in the dreaded gym!
This is the longest that I have ever kep any exercise up and I know is helped by seeing a trainer once a month who keeps me on tract and looks at my month's efforts which are all recorded on a special key/computer system which is much too high tech for me to understand!
well - its embarrising--have done situps in bed-- well- it helps ,cant do much -have a shake weight- -just try not to knock myself out!! keep pluggin at it!! tick
Thanks for bringing this up! I need an attitude adjustment.
Since I used to be a distance runner - I have a bad attitude about my exercise. Instead of thinking about how good anything would be - I've been doing NOTHING! I need to stop feeling sorry for not being able to run and do what I can. I feel like I'm "waiting" to feel better and then I will get back to "normal." I need to stop waiting and get busy!
But when I'm not moping around here's what works for me:
I have a crazy dog - so I try and get out to walk him every day - but lately with the weather and fatigue I haven't been too good. (hmmm...more excuses here)
I love working on my stability ball with light weights and working on core and stretching as well. A trainer taught me some great exercises that really help with my overall body strength and flexibility. I use very light weights yet I have to be careful - my arms are pretty weak and I get light headed. The docs are still trying to figure out my arm issues.
Here's hoping we all find something that helps us be better in 2011~
Since I used to be a distance runner - I have a bad attitude about my exercise. Instead of thinking about how good anything would be - I've been doing NOTHING! I need to stop feeling sorry for not being able to run and do what I can. I feel like I'm "waiting" to feel better and then I will get back to "normal." I need to stop waiting and get busy!
But when I'm not moping around here's what works for me:
I have a crazy dog - so I try and get out to walk him every day - but lately with the weather and fatigue I haven't been too good. (hmmm...more excuses here)
I love working on my stability ball with light weights and working on core and stretching as well. A trainer taught me some great exercises that really help with my overall body strength and flexibility. I use very light weights yet I have to be careful - my arms are pretty weak and I get light headed. The docs are still trying to figure out my arm issues.
Here's hoping we all find something that helps us be better in 2011~
Yoga and stretching in the house as I feel up to it.
Walking with Polly the Service Dog. Not as long as I used to.
Riding Clara Bell, the horse once a week
Swimming when I can
I used to ride bicycles but had to quit so I sold them all to pay for riding equipment and lessons. I am having to make more and more allowances but I just keep adapting. I also was a runner but those days are over.
Alex
Walking with Polly the Service Dog. Not as long as I used to.
Riding Clara Bell, the horse once a week
Swimming when I can
I used to ride bicycles but had to quit so I sold them all to pay for riding equipment and lessons. I am having to make more and more allowances but I just keep adapting. I also was a runner but those days are over.
Alex
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