Comments on: Let's Not Call it Exercise, Let's Call it Mindful Movement

By: Book Review: Yoga for Fibromyalgia | Fibromyalgia Haven

Book Review: Yoga for Fibromyalgia | Fibromyalgia Haven — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 13:50:51 +0000

[...] may have mentioned it once or twice (like here, here, and here) – I am a huge proponent of yoga. If I had to list the things that have improved my [...]

By: Tmake rish Hykes

Tmake rish Hykes — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 16:48:11 +0000

Sorry… my name is Trish!!!

By: Tmake rish Hykes

Tmake rish Hykes — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 16:47:34 +0000

I just wanted to chime in here. I tried getting on the treadmill or taking walks and it really was only making me hurt more. I went back to spinning which was my addiction eight months ago. I was afraid at first, and really not sure if this was going to set me back or make me better. I was amazed at how little pain I had after my first spin class, since I first got Fibro. It seems to be the most gentle exercise that I can find for my body. My instructors are aware that I have Fibro and Neurocardiogenic Syncope and they never push me. I find myself smiling through the whole class. I’m really proud of myself for taking the risk and putting myself in the saddle again. I hope that everyone will try to find an exercise that is gentle for them and gets the rewards that come with it. If you tell yourself that you “can’t”, you never will be able to. Tell yourself that you “can” and you’d be surprised what benefits exercise will make for you and how your pain may decrease. Give it a try, it’s worth it!!
Trish

By: Tammy Stanwood

Tammy Stanwood — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 13:52:05 +0000

I recently discovered your blog and am really enjoying the way you stress the positives–what things make you happy, etc. I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia earlier this year. I’ve had to give up teaching ballet because it causes too much pain, but I started a blog sharing combinations that other teachers can use in their ballet classes and it has really taken off! It gives me pleasure to know that there’s a way I can still contribute to the education of dancers without standing in front of them demonstrating the steps myself. Yoga has been my greatest form of relief, too, along with the occasional massage when I can afford it. I work for a bank now, and am fortunate to work from home three days a week. Thanks for your wonderful blog!

By: Carolyn

Carolyn — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 02:54:49 +0000

It is REALLY REALLY rough to get back into a routine once you get out of it. When I had to take the 6 months off, the symptoms came back stronger and much worse. I felt like I was dying! In my own mind, I compare the pain to what an Alcoholic goes through when they continually go on and off the wagon.. the severity of the disease gets worse each time this happens. I am certainly not an alcoholic, but have seen the disease ruin lives. But think about this…interestingly enough, both an alcoholic and a person with Fibro suffer from depression!

Another conclusion that I have come to myself through trial and error is that I believe that spinning improves circulation and oxygen flow throughout the body which relieves my pain. I will say that I have found that running and even walking stir up my muscles & nerves and do not provide me relief of any sort. They tend to make it worse. When I have a flare my whole body feels like I have “restless leg syndrome” and I have horrible headaches. If I force myself to get on my bike, I find relief.

But before you go out and join a spinning class you definitely need the right instructor. Luckily I started spinning a couple of years ago and have built up my core strength. Also I have learned which routines provide the maximum benefit. For example a pure aerobics spin can send my nerves into a tizzy, but a strengthening spin can make me feel like 150%. It’s funny, but I have been playing a new strengthening Spinning DVD everyday for 2 weeks since I have been completely pain free everytime I do that routine. I hate to change it up since it is working so well for me.

Bottom line is that I believe that a strong mind will help you get back into a routine. You certainly do not want to exercise because it is so painful, but you HAVE to do it to keep a clear mind and the reduce pain!!

By: Carolyn

Carolyn — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 02:20:40 +0000

Amen!!! There are many days when I feel like you know what and can not imagine getting back in the saddle of that bike. The motivation of the group exercise really keeps me going & it is the instructor that sets that tone. It means everything!! In my earlier youth I had trained and showed horses. I think the bike builds back up the same muscles. That may be why it works so well for me. Thanks for your kind words. One thing I will say is that I also think that the pain can somewhat be controlled by the mind. On any given day, if I think I am going to be in pain then I will REALLY be in pain. It is all connected somehow. On one of the spinning DVD’s I recently purchased the instructor stated “Positive mind / thoughts create positive form.” Boy isn’t that the truth!!! Let’s cheer to Mindful Movement!!!

By: fibrohaven

fibrohaven — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 22:29:36 +0000

I know! Exercise is an ugly word.

So I am curious, do you have trouble getting back into your stretching and walking after a period of slacking off? I sometimes struggle with that and would love to know how you manage.

By: fibrohaven

fibrohaven — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 22:10:03 +0000

Carolyn, it is awesome that you have found your Mindful Movement! Like I said I am amazed at FM patients who can push through a spin class to their benefit. It really goes to show how multifaceted and complicated this condition is. I hope you continue to feel the benefits. Like yoga, thanks for reminding us how important the instructor is.

By: fibrohaven

fibrohaven — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 21:51:07 +0000

Barbara I can remember having to walk a long distance in pain years ago in the Cleveland airport. I could barely move, and it was crazy busy, with people sighing frustratedly behind me because I wasn’t moving fast enough. I remember wanting to just sit down and give up, instead I pushed through it.

What I should have done was swallowed my pride and asked for a wheelchair or a ride on one of the carts. Why can’t we be less prideful? Sometimes when my husband and I are going to Costco I joke that I need one of the motorized carts, but I am not really joking. Yet I am still too prideful to actually ride in one.

Most of the time, I simply say no to things like going to the zoo. I understand what you mean about not wanting to miss out on life and things that bring you joy. It is a hard balance to find. Would you ever consider using the assistance of a wheelchair or motorized cart?

P.S. Next time consider going to the Wild Animal Park. That way you can ride the tram for most of the exhibit viewing.

By: Barbara

Barbara — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 04:05:43 +0000

Great post, I really would love to find the right mindful movement. I was up to one hour of a gentle walk per day in June then had a major flare up with sciatic nerve, then another one and well….have not done much since. I went to the zoo the other day and literally cried I was in so much pain, but I don’t know how to say “no” to enjoying life so I toughed it out for hours until I had to sit and make my bf see the last exhibits alone.

What do you do when you have a lot of walking to do and can’t avoid it?

Also, I love the name Daphne too, I have a pet with that name.