Chronic Fatigue and Exercise

Posts: 29
12/28/12 12:02 A

I have Rheumatoid Arthritis and significant fatigue (chronic fatigue hasn't yet been ruled out) and found it difficult to exercise. However I started on an easy bike because I could sit down and was less tired during the workout. I would use the least resistence and go for ten minutes and then build up from there. I also used weight machines at the gym and didn't put weight on them, and got my muscles used to the movements before I added the weights little by little. This has helped my endurance during my workout and throughout the day. I also only worked out every other day depending on how I felt. The key (other than seeing your doctor first) is to start slow and build up from there.

Pounds lost: 17.0

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Posts: 818
12/21/12 10:04 P

I've had chronic fatigue since I was twelve (I'm twenty now). I've found running helps me. I sleep better when I've run a few times that week so I actually am able to do other exercise. I've also found that if I do it in short bouts of 10-20 minutes (unless it's a run) I actually am able to exercise. Yoga and green tea in the early evening also help.

current weight: 144.0

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SparkPoints: (11,425)
Fitness Minutes: (2,076)
Posts: 158
12/21/12 8:25 P

I've been dealing with chronic fatigue since 1995. That's basically how I let myself gradually gain so much weight over the years. I just felt I was too tired to exercise. I finally became so unhealthy I had to find some solutions that worked. Although it takes a lot of effort and determination, I started to exercise first thing in the morning when I felt the most energized. I started doing the 9 or 10-minute seated cardio video. To my surprise that actually created more energy for me. Then I added 10 minute walks. I also found out I have sleep apea. Correcting this also helped with my energy. Now, in the evenings I have enough energy to do the 15-minute Qi-Gong routine about three times a week. I've also added some strength training with elastic bands or dumbells. And guess what? I'm starting to lose weight! I recently read an article on the benefits of taking D-Ribose in First for Women's magazine. I've only been taking it for a couple of days, but I really think I'm already starting to feel a difference. Just do your research and remember to get the okay from your doctor first as you would before taking any supplements. Now, I'm excited to complete my weight-loss journey and look forward to reaching my goals.

Edited by: LDAVENPOR4 at: 12/22/2012 (17:10)

current weight: 268.0

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Posts: 566
11/17/12 2:48 P

Definitely ask your doc for suggestions. I dealt with chronic fatigue for several years, and it's much improved now, but I had to start with just a little exercise, like a walk every day... 10-15 minutes. And I worked my way up. When it felt fatiguing and I was having difficulty staying awake at work--I switched to taking my short walk in the evenings, and it actually helped my relax and wind down before bed.

current weight: 132.2

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Posts: 51,604
11/17/12 12:15 P

Hello

Your first step should be to talk to your doctor and see if they have specific recommendations for what kind of exercise is okay to try. My advice would be to start slow. Don't push yourself too fast, and start with small amounts of exercise to see what your body can tolerate. Perhaps you start with a few 5 minute walks each day and build up from there. Again, your doctor should also be able to help.

Coach Jen

SparkPoints: (112)
Fitness Minutes: (150)
Posts: 1
11/17/12 9:05 A

Hey there. I have been dealing with chronic fatigue for over a year and a half now and it has been so difficult to create a fitness program that doesn't overwhelm my body.

I have my meal plan in place and I understand nutrition really well and my weight has stabilized. I don't want to decrease my meal plan calories because then I feel that I am depriving my body and creates bingeing behavior. However, I want to lose 7 - 10 pounds and tone my body by adding a fitness component.

I want to be able to exercise like a normal person, but it wipes out my body for up to days afterwards.

Does anyone else deal with this or does anyone have an appropriate workout plan for someone who deals with this issue?