| Evolving Exercise The whole notion of exercise is one that causes FM people feelings of ambivalence. We are not dumb, we know the positives of exercising. We know we put on weight and our muscles lose tone if we don't exercise.Unfortunately,exercise does not work the same for us as for others. Accident victims going through painful physiotherapy know eventually the pain will lessen. Their muscles will respond and they will get stronger and better. Non FM people know that the first part of an exercise program is the worse; they hurt and then they get better, stronger, more flexible. The things that were so hard to start with become simple and can be built on. It is not that way for us with FM. Exercises that seem okay one week can cause damage the next week. Movements that have been practised and used for weeks can become impossible during a flare. It's hard to exercise knowing no matter how dedicated you are at any point you may be right back where you started in mega pain and muscle spasms. The important thing to remember is that any exercise is better than none. Sometimes after I've had to miss my exercises for a few weeks it's hard to start back; I almost feel what's the use if it doesn't prevent the flares. HOWEVER after sixteen years of FM I am positive that it is vital to do some type of exercise. I believe that it helps one to retain flexibility, control balance and helps remove toxins from the muscles. I am not going to recommend anything other than you find an exercise you enjoy and do it at a comfortable level for yourself. There is no getting away from some pain but you should be able to tell if you are over doing things. I follow an exercise program that includes different types of activities but there are weeks when I have to decrease or let go of a component. There are also weeks when I have to let it all go and then force myself to start again at the first sign that my health is improving. Exercise Components copyright© 2000, Mitsou. All Rights Reserved. |