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Walking does a body good!

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Posted 11/13/2010 6:53 PM (GMT 0)
Many of you know that I'm a big advocate for exercise. I truly believe that is

has helped in more ways than one. I have lost weight, gained energy, feel

less stressed and am starting to sleep better because of it. I believe that walking

has changed my attitude on what I can or cannot do.

When I started on this forum over a year ago, it was Sherrine who was forever

posting... keep moving or you will become stiff as a board...I took her word to

heart and started moving, I began walking on a regular basis. I started slowly

and now I'm a regular walker.

There used to be too many days where I would think I couldn't walk because I

hurt too bad. You know what...once I got out there and started moving I felt

better because my focus wasn't on the pain.

I know our pain is real and it does hurt like hell, but the benefits you get from

exercise makes the effort worthwhile. Starting out slowly and gradually increasing workrked for me.

I walk with a woman who has spinal stenosis and two have arthritis. We all

start out together and each of us will go as far as we can go. The woman with

spinal stenosis and I walk daily. Our goal is to walk 5 miles...we have gone

as far as 4 miles one day...we usually average 2-3 miles

My walking buddies and I have said that walking has been the best thing for

us, we are not pain-free but feel we have a new lease on life! The fresh air

and hanging out with friends does alot to boost an attitude too.

A good soak in the tub or just relaxing afterwards with my moist heat heating pads helps with the pain. I hope those who haven't considered walking to

give it a second thought. I just want all of you to know...it does help:)

Hugs, Robin

 

Posted 11/13/2010 7:19 PM (GMT 0)
Robin, you have made my day!  I have had the same experience with walking as you have.  When I started out I hurt so much and only could go four houses down but I was determined to get in better health.  Pain so easily can sidetrack you to an easy chair and that is not good!  I went out the next day and could go a little further and pretty soon I was walking further with more ease.

 

Yes, there still are mornings I get up and don't want to bother with my walk but I don't give in to it.  By the time I get back home, I'm feeling sooo much better, have more energy, less pain, have a feeling of accomplishement and that makes me happy.

 

Walking will help depression, too.  I rarely suffer from depression but I sure fell into it last winter when the stock market bit the dust and all of a sudden I had financial problems.  I couldn't eat, sleep, and cried morning, noon, and night.  After a few days of this I thought I needed to get out walking again.  It worked!  It helped me so much because when I was walking, I was looking around, counting my blessings, the sun and fresh air was wonderful and I came home feeling much better and in a far better mood.  When I'd start to slip a few hours later, I'd grab the dog and head out for another walk.  I kept this up until I chased the depression away.  I think my dog secretly wishes I'd get depressed again because she was loving all these walks!  tongue

 

So, as Robin said, really give walking some consideration.  It really does help a lot with pain, fatigue, depression, and attitude.

 

Sherrine

Posted 11/13/2010 11:49 PM (GMT 0)
Robin and Serrine, I definitely agree with you that walking is a great way to limber up and help with the fibro but I live in North Dakota and it is getting really cold here. Like most fibromites I do not deal well with cold so I keep limber by doing what I can in the house here. Gentle stretches are great but so is doing a little cleaning every day. Im not saying clean your whole house in a day. Just a project a day can keep you limbered up. If you hate house cleaning then gentle stretching or mall walking might be the answer.
Gentle Hugs
Shirley
Posted 11/14/2010 2:54 AM (GMT 0)
I'm a mall walker! Once it gets below about 50 degrees, walking outside ends up making me stiffer, so I head for the mall. It's kind of creepy these days, almost deserted, they say it's going to be torn down soon. It's on the edge of "gangland." But no one bothers me!

Debbie
Posted 11/14/2010 12:38 PM (GMT 0)
Shirley and those who live in cold climates, you can get a walking in place DVD or video and use that.  I have a great one by Leslie Sansone.  This is the one I have but unfortunately it only comes in a video only.

 

http://www.amazon.com/Mile-Super-Burner-Leslie-Sansone/dp/B0002UV9GW

 

If you google her name, you will see she has a ton of these out so you might find one that is similar.  I like this because you can do as much or as little as you want.  If I do it for 15 minutes, it's like walking one mile, 30 minutes - two miles, and 45 minutes - 3 miles.  I only use it for 15 minutes because I hate to exercise!  But it is gentle.  You walk forward a few steps and then backward a few steps, then side to side, then slightly squatting, and at the end of the 15 minutes she has you moving and lifting your arms which throws a little aerobics into it.  Yes, it's boring.  Most of you are hearing people so you could put it on, silently, and add your own music.  You can do anything for 15 minutes!  Anyway, this helps me when it's cold or rainly in Florida....that doesn't happen often but it does happen!

 

I also liked it because I didn't have to go anywhere for exercise.  I bought this when I lived in northern Ohio.  I could stay in my warm home and not venture out in the snow. 

  

Sherrine

Posted 11/14/2010 1:16 PM (GMT 0)

Oh, you are so right, Robin.  I have not been walking like I should for many reasons...one being my poor old dog who used to keep both the hubby and I tramping through the woods every day cannot get around very well.  I have also been going through a nasty drug withdrawal thing...my vision is blurred and I am so off balance...things look distored and even walking around the block by myself is scary.  But I do 'laps' in the house and make a point of walking up and down the stairs at least 10 times a day.  At first my legs would shake but that is getting better.  I have also found that the shoes I wear is fundemental in my balance.  I wore an old pair of tennis shoes the other day and kept getting cramps in my calves.  Took them off and it stopped. (looked at them and the heel was worn down...in the trash they went.)

My back hurts a lot after I do extensive walking but that could be the two disc herniations.  I guess that's the next issue I will have to address. eyes

Huggies

Donna

Posted 11/14/2010 3:58 PM (GMT 0)
When it starts getting colder here I will probably become a mall walker too. It is
still in the 60's, still pretty comfy for walking. Shirley, Debbie and Donna, I know
it is colder for you already. Sherrine you have it made living in Florida.

Any kind of exercise... housework, yardwork counts too and is so good for us.
Donna, I agree with the shoe thing...I need a new pair too. Hoping the withdrawal
ends soon for you. I hope you all have an active and wonderful day!

Hugs, Robin
Posted 11/14/2010 6:16 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Robin,

I think you are so fortunate to have somebody to walk with. I am glad that there is a group of you who walk together. I too have a few friends who love to walk. And I think it makes a difference and makes it easier to get out there. Keep up the good work. I love your thread.

Hugs, Karen
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