I do Pilates from PliatesAnytime.com it really works well for me in that it helps me maintain muscle strength, stretch, etc. but it is a routine that is easy on the joints. I can also do it anywhere, anytime I feel up to it because they are online classes and there are tons of classes(videos) that work whatever part of the body I want to focus on and different levels of intensity. I personally feel much better when I am able to work out a few times a week (mentally & physically). I am having a hard time maintaining a healthy weight right now so my Rheumy has banned me from any type of cardio workout, but has given me the okay and encourages me to do Pilates. Hope this helps.

Hugs,

Melissa

Thank you Melissa!! I will start pilates a few times a week :)

Have you found it helps with joint stiffness?

Swimming works for me. I can't do yoga or pilates anymore, because my back is at the point where if I lie down I can't easily get up. Either running in the pool or swimming (or both) gets my heart rate up without hurting my joints any. You can check with your state's arthritis association to see if they have a list of gyms with heated pools.

Good luck finding something that works for you! I figure ten minutes of exercise is always better than zero minutes of exercise - and if that's all I can do that day, so be it.

I do some standard exercises in the mornings, like sit-ups and side bends...but only if I'm feeling well enough. I also do some gardening for a little while in the morning.

I really think it helps me, exercise is generally recommended for lupus...but within your current limitations of course.

I've tried strength training, but it seems to trigger flares. I've tried repeatedly to do a little weight training to build strength, but it never seems to work for me...I always seem to get sick from it.

I was diagnosed in 1999 with chronic fatigue syndrome, maybe that's why I don't tolerate the strength training. But I have most of the symptoms of lupus too, so I don't really know what I have for sure anymore. Maybe I have both, I don't know.

Things that stress the joints in my hands give me trouble, like using pruning snips. My hands are definitely arthritic, they always hurt a little no matter what I do. The joints in my feet hurt too, but not my elbows or knees. That's diagnostic for lupus, arthritis in the hands and feet primarily.

So I would say do what you can get away with, and stay with it. Being too sedentary creates a lot of problems you don't want.