About the exercise

I exercise on a regular basis as it is something I have always loved to do but often struggle when I am in the middle of a flare. I decided to go for a swim this week during the middle of a mild (ish! - if you count not being able to walk on Tuesday as mild 🙈) flare because so many professionals (and friends) have advised me that I need to keep exercising and not to get myself to the point where I am not. Easier said than done.

This blog will focus on why it is important to exercise and how it links with fibromyalgia.

Why is exercise important for fibro fighters?

Exercise can help to restore the body's chemical imbalance, slows down the adrenaline that is associated with stress (which is one of the biggest causes of my symptoms) and releases endorphins which can reduce pain. Exercise also helps to improve the quality of your sleep, something I struggle with (if only tossing and turning throughout the night counted as exercise - although my fitbit does always think I've done about 60 steps when I wake up 🧐😂), which can then relieve pain. I have become obsessed with whether I'm hitting that 20% deep sleep mark since being diagnosed with fibromyalgia and as you can imagine it's a rare occurrence! Even just a few minutes a day of exercise is better than none at all.

What is the best exercise for people with fibromyalgia?

Aerobic exercise

Exercise such as running, walking or swimming can improve stiffness and pain and muscle function. I enjoy swimming and am going to aim to have one swim a week this year as the worst of my pain is in my legs and back so non weight-bearing activities are great.

Group exercise

Exercise classes can be great for motivation - I go to a pilates class once a week which I find has really helped me to manage my symptoms and to relax after a busy day at work. I feel that people may be apprehensive about exercise classes - I always worry about whether I will be able to do them and about silly things like finding the room and the etiquette of the class. However, you have to push through that barrier because there are so many benefits to be had from a regular exercise class and I thoroughly enjoy going to pilates now.

Tai Chi

Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese martial art that involves stretching and slow movements. It encourages mind-body awareness so can help with both the physical pain and also the stress/depression associated with fibromyalgia. Might have to give this one a go!

Resistance and Strength Training

Resistance training can strengthen muscles and help to reduce pain. This could be lifting weights at home or attending exercise classes with weight-lifting activities. I always have to make sure I go for the lightest weight option which can make me feel self conscious but I know that it's what is best for me and is about as much as my body can handle.

Yoga

Yoga offers gentle stretching and mind-body awareness, two things which I personally feel can have a powerful effect on my fibromyalgia symptoms. There are many yoga videos online so it is not something that you necessarily have to leave the house to do and there are some out there specifically designed for people with chronic pain.

Exercising is all about listening to your body. I know when I'm not well enough to exercise and I also know when I'm probably just being a little lazy (we all have those days!). I feel so good after exercise and it definitely helped my flare this week so I'll be aiming to exercise 2-3 times a week this year (fibro flare permitting!).