micheller Posted October 26, 2011 Report Share Posted October 26, 2011 What's the best type of exercise to do without over doing it? I lost a lot of weight and would like to tighten/tone but even going up and down stairs gets me so winded. We do go on walks but by the time we get down the block my legs are really achy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ramakentesh Posted October 26, 2011 Report Share Posted October 26, 2011 I think exercise is pretty important but it took me a long time to feel better from it. I always did orthostatic exercise, walking then running, pushups, sit ups, etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Csmith3 Posted October 26, 2011 Report Share Posted October 26, 2011 I find that walking is good, but I live in an area where there are no hills! If I try walking in an area which is less flat, I tire and get breathless very quickly. I suppose that is why some of us don't mind treadmills as the incline can be controlled.Swimming is also OK though, again, I tire quickly and it seems a lot of hassle for 10 - 15 minutes swimming. That said, I do find my fitness improves and I feel better in myself. For reasons I have never worked out, it does result in more weight loss than I would expect given the short time I swim.I was advised to try pilates. I think it has helped with muscle toning (to the extent I have any muscles to tone!) and stopped my neck and shoulders aching. I am thin and pilates has not resulted in any weight loss. Much of the routine is done sitting or lying down and it is easy to pace myself without it affecting others in the class. There is also the bonus of a mat to lie on if I am not feeling great! It is important to find a decent class. The ones at the gym were way to hard. I found a place that is run by physios and where there are small classes so they make sure you are doing the right thing and don't get injured. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
songcanary Posted October 26, 2011 Report Share Posted October 26, 2011 I have found yoga to be the most beneficial for me. I agree with Cath UK that it's important to find a good place. I started out slow with gentle yoga 3x's a week and gradually felt well enough to finish an hour of the regular class, also 3x's. This took me about six months to achieve. It was kind of a step forward/step back process, so don't be surprised if you need to back off sometimes. I did that many times but eventually I found what works for me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
corina Posted October 26, 2011 Report Share Posted October 26, 2011 you could also exercise while in bed. you could do sit ups, use weights while being supine, train leg muscles and even do exercises to strenghten your back muscles. i've always enjoyed exercizing while in bed, it feels very safe! happy training! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
caroline Posted October 26, 2011 Report Share Posted October 26, 2011 I have always detested exercise, especially the kind done in gyms with machines. But I bought a good used recumbent bike (Schwinn) and find that I actually enjoy using it. I started with five minutes a day for a week, then ten minutes, then fifteen minutes. . . . I'm working up to 45 minutes. It's especially easy when I do the exercising while watching TV. I generally feel stronger, and I can walk more vigorously on the few occasions when I go out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
micheller Posted October 26, 2011 Author Report Share Posted October 26, 2011 Thanks! I used to do pilates, should get back into it. I haven't tried yoga. I think I'll have my fiance pick up a home video. I've heard good things about the recumbent bike. I had an elliptical but my stomach didn't like the up and down motion. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jknh9 Posted October 26, 2011 Report Share Posted October 26, 2011 I agree about the recumbent, but I recommend using a stationary one rather than being out on the road, just in case. Plus you can watch TV, read, or lift weights while you do it. I love mine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandymbme Posted October 28, 2011 Report Share Posted October 28, 2011 I can only do aquatic exercise, anything land-based aggravates my EDS too badly. The pool not only supports my joints, but has the added benefit of helping to stabilize my hypotension. I just have to be careful to exit the pool slowly and carefully. It can be a trigger for syncope when I get out and don't have the water pressure, so I make sure to exit very, very slowly. I have a port/cath, so I can't swim as it needs to stay dry. But I find even walking in the pool is very helpful. I have a PT evaluation in a couple weeks, and I am really looking forward to getting back in the pool, it really, really helps.Sandy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
green Posted October 28, 2011 Report Share Posted October 28, 2011 I love swimming. I just started a few months ago, and I really love it. It's the only exercise where I can push myself to the point where my lung capacity is strained, without inducing post-exercise malaise. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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