Hi guys -
Good points about exercise and water. I haven't looked into this in the city but I'm sure there must be something available here... I should definitely look it up and try it out!
You both bring up great points about animals being such great companions for us.. they offer unconditional love and moments to feel "normal." ;) I actually have a SharePost coming up soon about the benefits of animals for those with illnesses. As we all know, the benefits are often huge!!
Anyway, I'll definitely look for a warm pool in the city - doing *something* has to be helpful... right now I don't exercise much at all beyond walking around the city (which sometimes is definitely enough!).
I've used aquatic exercise for many years. Some people are under the impression that it's swimming. Our Arthritis Foundation exercises do not include swimming. Since I am not a swimmer, I teasingly tell the ladies in the group that if my head is wet, I'm in trouble. Being able to move about so easily in water relaxes muscles and helps you move in order to be more mobile. It isn't always without pain, but it's worth it in the long run.
I simply cannot function if I stay out of the water for long periods of time. It's the very best thing I do for myself. It's also a wonderful time to be with other people who are limited in their exercise capabilities. Most of the people there aren't physically able to do more exercise than you, so there's no pressure to impress others.
Many churches also have warm water pools. Please check out all resources to find a place with a pool where you're able to tolerate the temperature of the water. You will be glad you did! Even in the coldest part of winter, aquatic exercise helps FM and that's one time of year I really need help.
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Karen
Once again, thank you for all the information you provide us all with.
I would of really loved to try some Aqua Aerobics, as I've heard such good things about it.
I've tried several different types of exercise programs and about the only one that I'm able to keep and continue with any positive out come is my walking program.
The swimming would be wonderful, but I am so sensitive to cold or cool water, I've even check into a therapy pool that they keep the water warmer, but unfortuately it is about an hour 1/2 drive from my home. I love to swim, but any more the water has to be so warm, that most normal people are too warm or uncomfortable to do any exercise at all.
This past summer when my husband and son took me to Kona, I really had a great time in the water and the snorkeling cruse was the greatest. I spent nearly all four hours in the water and it was just a wonderful experience. The weightlessness was so wonderful and I felt so pain free, but the water was very warm too.
I'll have to stick to my walking path at the local country school. I walk my puppy and try to train him while walking, he adds a distraction to my exercise and even when it drives my pain up, it just helps to feel like a normal person for even a short while.
Thank you for the article
Betty
You're right, Betty. Often finding a warm-water pool can be a problem. Most YMCA's keep their pools fairly warm (mid to high 80s) as they often host water exercise classes for arthritis. But they can't go any warmer because they also have to accomodate people like long distance swimmers who need cooler water. Unfortunately, even the high 80s is usually too cool for most FM patients.
I live in a small town but we have a state-funded developmental center here that has a therapeutic pool for their clients. They keep the pool between 96 and 98 degrees. Our FM support group contacted them and they agreed to let us use the pool for an hour two days a week. I don't know if you could find anyplace in your area that has a pool used for therapy, but if so, it can't hurt to ask.
A puppy is a great way to get some exercise! When I first got mine, I lost five pounds the first couple of weeks just from housebreaking and playing with her. And she's brought me a lot of joy, which is the best part.
Karen
Karen
We have 3 dogs and also take care of our sons dog while he's gone at college, so a household with 4 keeps me getting up and moving.
Two of them I have been working on for therapy dogs so we can go to the nursing homes and such. But one of them I would also like to get him his Service dog title. He wears his therapy vests when we walk so I can work on him knowing the difference in when he's working and when he's not, using his vest as a helpful reminder for him. I would at least like to get him to pass his public access test, but he's young yet and we have a ways to go.
Swimming is great exercise though, and I do love it as long as it's warm
Thanks
Betty