Exercising

[Guest guest]

It is difficult to keep up an exercise routine when inflammation is

increased, especially if you are in the midst of a flare-up of your

condition...but it can be done.

I've been exercising regularly (Bowflex system) two to three times a

week for the last year and a half. When inflammation and pain are

low I attempt to increase my weights in a slow progression. When

inflammation is high, or pain makes exercising difficult, I lower

the weights being used until I reach a level where I can do the

exercise in proper form. The repetition of the movements in correct

form is more important than increasing weights. In other words, I

raise weights when I can, and lower them whenever I have to in order

to keep the routine going.

If a joint is highly inflammed and extremely painful I may skip that

exercise. As my doctor states: " If it hurts like h@#$, then don't

do it! "

I've added muscular mass over the past year and half and have noted

the following: I have better energy during the day. I nap less and

have less fatigue. I sleep better at night. Pain is lessened,

especially in locations that used to be a great problem for me,

namely shoulders, upper and lower back. The above translates into a

miraculous reduction in medications. Currently I am only taking

Motrin for pain. That translates into a tremendous financial

benefit!

I've tried to add areobic exercise routines but have been

unsuccessful to date due to asthma being triggered by exertion, and

painful left knee (which has damage) and painful shoulders and

hips. I am going to attempt to purchase a reclining bicycle and see

if that will allow me to include areobic exercise in my routines.

Until I can do that, my weight loss goals are unreachable.

Start slow with low weights. Build up slowly. Take twice as long

to increase weights as various programs might suggest. It is more

important to do the exercise properly with a lower weight than it is

to increase the weights and put extra stress on painful joints.

Skip an exercise if your body says it is too painful to do it

today. Try it again the next time.

Ray Neal, moderator