When I started working out, my Doc had one word of advise....go slow (ok, two)!!! Trick is to increase strength but don't over do and cause a flare;leads back to more prednisone,more trouble etc.
Just keep plugging away. I use a trainer (find one with a real degree and experience) or a physical therapist. They should be able to help with some exercises. Don't expect to go back to exactly what you used to be able to do. You might have to go back to doing smaller versions of what you head thinks you should be able to do.
I also have arthritis so I have some trouble with grip strength. Got some special grips (a bit larger that regular handles). My trainer laughs because it's supposed to make it HARDER (hand is spread out more, requires more hand strength) but it makes it easier for me. One plus to autoimmune diseases!!
I make the heavy weight lifter guys look like sissies ;-)

I am happy to hear you are doing wel. with your meds. I was told the same thing as ZZZ. I went to a Physical therapist to get a "realistic" workout for me. She showed me exercises that will help the muscles I really need. I worked with her for 6 months and then she showed me how to do it in the gym. I go to the gym 2-3 times a week (most weeks). I've been doing it a year and see just a little progress. But that is the way it should be for us PM/DM people. The most important thing is to not over do it so you can still function and not cause additional damage.

Slow and steady wins the race.

I was planning on asking at my next rheumatology appointment if I could be sent to a physical therapist. I just can't seem to find that balance of what exercises/stretches are good for me without over doing it. Plus lately I've been noticing a lot more discomfort/pain in my actual shoulder joints & hip joints that makes exercise not so comfortable.

Yeah, slow and steady wins the race - good comment.

I guess, I've been doing DDR (Dance Dance Revolution - video game that involves 'dancing' on the arrows on a pad onthe floor - and yoga. But my arms are so weak I'm not sure how to stengthen them. Today I bought two 2 lb weights so that I can hold those while I do the DDR. Maybe that will help.

sounds like a plan. i definitely couldn't do ddr. i have NO coordination. my younger siblings love to have me come over & play games like that just so they can laugh at me because i look so stupid trying... the little buggers :)

haha. I tried to play once with my son and he banned me from the game. I couldn't move my legs fast enough. He said I looked like I was having serious issues. At least I tried.

Hi, all.

I am a 28 yr old male former athlete who was blessed with the struggle of overcoming PM in April of this year. I have lost significant muscle mass and gained significant soft (not fatty lol) tissue. In the last month I've been working with a physical therapist at least 3x a week - in each of our sessions, we make sure to work on range of motion in my upper body both with and without resistance. I'm still not able to muster the stamina to shave my head like how I used to, but I'm hopeful that will come soon as I have seen significant improvements in my upperbody strength and range of motion.

My suggestion: get a physical therapist/trainer to assist with upper body range of motion. Have them stretch you, and provide ideas that can help with strength and stamina building.

Oh yeah.. and that go slow comment. I mean really sloooooow. Especially if you were used to spending an hour at the gym. I started with 10 min 3 times per week...and was way tired!
So don't get too discouraged if you only last a few minutes. Just do what you can for now. You can work up to other things later.