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Posted 5/23/2006 12:02 PM (GMT 0)
Now that I think the enbrel and increased ultracet are helping me feel better, I want to start exercising again.  I used to be an exercise queen with power step aerobics, spinning, and running.  But I've really become a slug in the past 9 months or so.  I've also noticed that even if I force myself to go for a walk, my hips and shoulders get so incredibly sore that I'm pretty much shot for the rest of the day.   My rheumatologist said I'm probably wearing improper shoes, which might explain the hips, but doesn't explain my shoulders?  In any case, what do the rest of you guys do for exercise?  I've thought about swimming but it's been so many years since I've done that...

Thanks!

Elcamino

Posted 5/23/2006 12:14 PM (GMT 0)
hi elcamino! i am new at this stuff but i think the best thing is to take baby steps back into the things you enjoy and listen to what your body is saying before it starts screaming..... i do hear swimming is good and i am certain it is like riding a bike no matter how long you have been away from it you can get back into it!
good luck and glad your feeling like a new activity!
have a great day! ~ yalinda
Posted 5/23/2006 1:50 PM (GMT 0)
You guys are spot on, swimming is one of the best things you can do... or even water aerobics... the water helps take the stress of your joints... But like yalinda said, you just gotta take it a day at a time... today you may be able to walk 10 miles, but tomorrow, you can't, just pace yourself, only you knows your limitations.... I like to do pilates... I feel the stretching has helped me a lot... I also Mountain Bike (not lately, but will be again soon)... And I've started a spin class, but on days like today (very rainy and humid) I'll be sitting it out... am hurting too bad... may still do the pilates 'cause of the stretching, but I doubt I'll do the spin class... good luck and let us know how what you decide.

Duck
Posted 5/23/2006 3:55 PM (GMT 0)
Yes, start slow.
When I started back, I was very concerned with aggravating my immune system. And your joints have some damage to recover from.
For me the hardest part was deciding when I was being a big baby and when the RA was really slowing me down. It is pretty easy to blame the RA. As I got into better shape, took a few hard crashes, and found that the RA didn't seem to flare, I started forgetting to blame the RA.

Now I know I was a big baby!

But swimming ... I would rather drown ... Craig tongue
Posted 5/23/2006 7:03 PM (GMT 0)
Sometimes my swimming resembles drowning! :) Being a big baby is a lot less painful though! :)
Posted 5/23/2006 11:46 PM (GMT 0)
Joint damage & range of motion will dictate and guide you as to what sort of exercises one is capable of.

Swimming yes is wonderful. Builds muscles plus is the safest for joints. Even treading through the water and water walking is THE BEST and burns a lot of calories while being "anti-gravity" lol.

My best thing I'm working on is just plain old walking.  Best posture I can keep with my back, and working on dostance rather than speed.

I have great walking shoes and like you...the knees,back, hips and shoulders KILL after some walks, even short ones.

I think when it comes to exertion, some days will be better than others...and sometimes ya just can't predict it neither.

I would absolutely pick up a few pilates moves! Especially for the arms and hips.  Maintains great range of motiona nd joint function.  And pilates moves one can do without equipment too.  I think probably you can get some quick online video clips of certain moves if ya Google pilates.  I do some that I saw in magazines and while I was a "gym member". <<<sigh>>> I miss the ELLIPTICAL trainer.

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