Staying Fit and Managing CMT

[Guest guest]

I used to get odd feelings in my hips - and then I did yoga and moved onto

seeing a stretch practitioner.

I am a firm believer in good stretching of our muscles - especially hip

flexors, peroneal tendons, feet (even though the foot stretch hurts so much it

makes me feel sick) as it keeps me feeling loose and like things work better in

general.

Definitely yoga is a good thing.

Looking forward to sharing tips on how to stay fit and manage CMT,

Donna from London

[Guest guest]

Donna,

I agree. The yoga helps alot as well as Pilates. I do alot of walking, but what

makes thing work best for me also is the Yoga and Pilates rather than alot of

high impact exercises on my feet. That just puts things out of alignment.

Dawn

[Guest guest]

I do this by sticking to a nutrition program of 1300 calories a day

now, which includes at least 3 vegetables and 4 fruits, plus brown

rice, chicken or fish, cottage cheese, herbs and peach-mango salsa.

Drinking 1.5 liters of water too. The only supplement/vitamin I take is

Vitamin E. I am never " too hungry " nor do I have " urges " to snack on

junk or candy.

In addition, I do a cardio work out 4-5 days in the pool that also

combines stretching with breathing techniques I learned in Pilates. 3

times a week I do (mat-based) Pilates.

My weight is staying low and I have increased my energy levels. The

only supplement/vitamin I take is Vitamin E.

Greg , CMT expert from U of Washington, suggests that persons

with CMT stay as slim as possible and follow a heart healthy diet,

which is why my nutrition and exercise program is so important to me in

managing CMT. CMT can be " managed! But, it does take discipline.

Gretchen

[Guest guest]

And for those of us who aren't able to manage this much physical

activity, " managing " CMT may be more about pain control, successfully

accomplishing activities of daily living, and striving to keep a

positive attitude.

In principle, the idea of setting healthful goals within one's

limitations, is a good one.

Our mind is very powerful and emotions have a definite impact on

energy and pain levels. Having a plan, feeling in control,

accomplishing attainable goals...it's all very beneficial.

Focus on things you CAN do, rather than things you can't.