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Attractive exercise, anyone?

Posted , 4 users are following.

katexxxxxx
katexxxxxx

I put this in the General section last week, but got no response. This may be a better place for it...

I'm 57 and about 3 stone over my ideal weight. I need to get back into good healthy exercise patterns (as well as cutting down on the Christmas goodies and increasing the fruit and veg intake!), but am finding this difficult because of a number health issues that mean that while one type of exercise can be generally good for me in lots of ways, it's contraindicated for others. rolleyes

I have:

Fibromyalgia: generally walking and swimming are good for this, but not high-impact things like running or sports like tennis, hockey, etc... And getting cold in the swimming pool is NOT good for this at all!

Hip displacia resulting in arthritis in both hip joints: I have physio exercises that are supposed to help, but cause problems elsewhere... Walking is not recommended other than on smooth pathways without steep inclines and lots of steps. Despite being a condition I have suffered from all my life, the hip displacia was only diagnosed last year when I finally complained about the hip pain! The hip joints will need replacing at some point, as I'm developing arthitis that normally wouldn't manifest for another 15-20 years... but they want to hold off if they can as I really don't want it don twice!

Patellofemoral instability, including some subluxation: As one utterly charming orthopod put it: 'I could flick those kneecaps out of place with a thumb and almost no pressure. It's a wonder you don't lose them in a stiff breeze!' He was lovely, and very sympathetic, and I was glad to know I really DID have a particular issue and it wasn't just dismissed as just being a further cruelty of the fibro. Anything that strengthen the quads is good here, especially going up and down stairs as, it helps tighten all the ligaments - but see above! I also have some physio exercises for this. They don't interfear with the hip exercises, but both sets set off the sacroiliitis wonderfully.

Sacroiliitis resulting from Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction, as a result of an accident 20 or so years ago... I fell down the stairs, banging that side of my pelvis on every step on the way down. No infection, just inflammation due to the joint constantly shifting and being ever so slightly misaligned.

RSI of both shoulders (sewing injury! I'm a professional dress and costume maker) and right wrist (old teaching injury from the days of 5 layer self-carbonating subject report writing that could not, in those days, be done on a computer...). These mean that the use of a walking stick to help when the back and hips are playing merry hell is impossible!

If anyone has any bright ideas, it would really help!

1 like, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • RogerD
    RogerD

    Posted

    Sounds like you should be doing lots of walking - working up to it being as brisk as your conditions will allow. Start small - 15 minutes out, 15 back - but being determined to build that up as quickly as you are sensibly able.

    Swimming is a brilliant partner to walking. Surely indoor pools won't be to chilly for you? Again, take it easy at first, and build up slowly. Some people like to use a written plan on which they record timed goals and progress.

    I wish you well.

    Oh, and if you can, make both of those routines social - have a friend or family member do it with you. There's nothing better than a bit of mutual support and company!

  • Sue...Wt
    Sue...Wt

    Posted

    Hi. As you know you can up your exercise by walking, exercise dvds or on-line (YouTube) videos.

    Try Leslie Sansone's walking exercises on YT, they're brilliant and really got me losing weight fast. I also have a 4gk kettlebell and use that after aerobic exercise when the body's warm.

    As Roger suggests, swimming in an indoor pool should be ok temperature wise, it would certainly do you a lot of good for your condition too.

    Try myfitnesspal to help keep you aware of calorie intake and exercise burn. How about getting yourself a Fitbit (steps counter), it tracks all your steps and makes walking addictive. It's done me a power of good and I wouldn't be without it now.

    All best wishes in losing weight, you'll feel sooooo much better once you really start to lose it and your Dr will be delighted too!

    Sue

  • weightloser1
    weightloser1

    Posted

    I agree with Roger D. Swimming is really very good for health and it is the best to do for an exercise.
  • ZoeRPM
    ZoeRPM

    Posted

    I'm going to stick my neck out and suggest dancing but only of the type that requires fairly gentle movement with no running or skipping. The three most obvious forms that spring to mind are:

    1. Circle dancing. This may include faster dances such as those from Israel but you can always sit out the livelier ones;

    2. Modern square dancing, which is taught to a standard syllabus worldwide that is set by Callerlab. A national list of clubs can be found but most clubs will only admit beginners in September;

    3. Playford dancing.

    I do mainly square dancing at Plus level and occasionally Playford. I can manage several hours of dancing per day if pushed.

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