Lupus Support Group
Lupus is an auto-immune disease in which the immune system cannot distinguish between threats (like viruses and bacteria), and healthy cells and tissue. As a result, the body produces antibodies that inflict cell damage, most commonly targeting joints, skin, kidneys and the nervous system. Join the group and find support for coping with lupus.
How do people work out? for the past few years, I have struggled with this. I know I need to keep moving and I love the atmosphere of the gym, but I don't know how to tell if I am doing too much until it is too late. Are there certain exercises that are great for our joints? Sometimes I notice an increase in inflammation or I will totally crash. My mind wants to keep going and work very hard, like I used to do. It's hard to pace myself. Any tips on how you guys manage to stay active on a regular basis would be great. Thanks!
Winter is rough....my body likes summertime much better.
*sigh* I used to be a runner but now find I feel like I'm in someone else's body & running feels wrong...heck, I could go for a run and my hands and elbows would hurt so bad after (?!)...then eventually my knees too...then I would get sick (weakened immune system).
You will have to experiement with what your body can handle, work up very gradually - give yourself all kinds of permissions to take it slow. I do find that doing something is often better than nothing - no movement & too much movement can be just as bad.
Anyway....things that work for me (everyone is different)....
-I can't workout first thing in them morning, need some wake up time and time to get joints eased up a bit
-on rough days I do just a little, maybe a 25 yoga video, if I can or walking on my treadmill (or outdoors)
-water is magic. I teach land and water fitness and I can totally relate to many of the seniors who get joint relief in the water, swimming, water aerobics, or just walking in shallow or running in deep with a belt feels great....I teach a therapy class & just standing in the water some days is an incredible relief
-diet is important too - not too much salt, healthy food and small frequent meals (and coffee!) keep me going...lots of water
-I keep an exercise diary, just a simple calendar booklet (small planner) where I write in what I do, aiming for some sort of activity most days...gives me some satisfaction that I'm doing something, even if I am sore, tired, and couch bound at times
Find what works - start out 2-3 days a week - if it's not a great day do some weight training exercise without weigth or very light. Body weight squats will still work your legs, walking slow on the treadmill or in the water is still walking.
I hope some of this helps....it's very humbling to not be able to do stuff when the mind is willing.
I struggle with knowing when enough is enough, I have had to conserve my muscle strength for the necessities the past 4 years, as If i expend my energy on working out, then I am too weak, or too painful of joints to do things like work and take care of kids well.. With 3 years of IVIG, I am starting to get stronger, and want to try adding in light work outs to gain back some muscle... hoping I still can build muscle!!
Fantastic advice. Thank you so much for sharing your story. I love the idea of keeping an activity diary. Running also makes weird parts of my body sore, so I stick with power walking.
Thanks again. Your experience is so helpful!