Posts: 76
10/2/12 5:13 P

I need to get off my rear and move more. My excuse has been on-going back and hip pain but I KNOW that eases some when I move more ... it's just that the moving HURTS. I'm trying to start on an exercise ball. I'll be in front of the TV at first but hopefully it's a start. The fatigue makes it so easy to just plunk down on the sofa and do nothing,

:(

Pounds lost: 9.4

0 9.75 19.5 29.25

39

Posts: 3,604
8/26/12 2:56 P

Just got back from a long walk - it was great! I love love LOVE walking when it's raining!
I also have a recumbent bike - it is great for hot days. Still haven't found a swimming pool to go to (simple laziness on my part ), so in the meantime I'll just hope for more rainy days. Yeah!

SparkPoints: (11,297)
Fitness Minutes: (2,421)
Posts: 1,076
8/20/12 11:51 A

I just got a new stationary bike this last month. My old one wore out.. it was really old. I decided to get a recumbent bike this time. It seemed like I would get a bladder infection after I had been on my old upright one! I don't know if that was the cause, but I didn't want to chance it again.
My recumbent bike is great! I didn't get a high-end one. In fact, this one is not very fancy at all,but it suits my needs. It is easy to use and not hard on my knees (I've already had a left total knee replacement and don't want to have the other one done too!).

I also use my treadmill occasionally, but it bothers my knees if I do much.

current weight: 233.0

262 227.75 193.5 159.25

125

Posts: 3,604
7/20/12 10:41 P

I almost posted "damn this heat is hot as hell!" and then I realized - it feels that hot!
Today during my walk, I found myself tripping a bit on the sidewalk. Yuck! I believe I'm going to start looking for some cooling vests to wear as I am working out.
Do any of you have any experience using these cooling vests? I'd love to hear more about them.
Thank you!

Edited by: DAWNUH at: 7/20/2012 (22:42)

Posts: 3,604
7/8/12 8:40 P

I'm a walker, so this heat has been kicking me in the butt! But today it was SO NICE out there so I went for a nice quick walk.
I've also been advised to simply get my hair wet and twist it up into a bun - works well for me!

Posts: 557
6/23/12 1:36 P

Chair yoga. I am still afraid to get down on the floor in case I end up stuck there!

www.collagevideo.com/workout-video/chair-d
ancing-chair-yoga-5506

Pounds lost: 25.2

0 15.5 31 46.5

62

Posts: 123
6/11/12 7:05 P

i exercise in cool clothing, early am, or directly under a ceiling fan. the duration of the exercise varies. depends how i feel. i walk, use weight machines at gym, bike at gym, elliptical, stepper, and anything else i can think of

May Minutes: 0

0 32.5 65 97.5

130

Posts: 557
5/26/12 3:27 P

www.youtube.com/watch?v=6m0KjKeF_hY&featur
e=related

This woman is 97 years old! I am compiling a list of favorite seated exercise videos on YouTube, there are some really good ones (and some really lame ones).

Pounds lost: 25.2

0 15.5 31 46.5

62

Posts: 1,605
12/9/11 12:10 P

I have a stationary bike that I ride @ times.
I walk with Leslie Sansone
I lift some weights @ home.

I try to do something everyday without overdoing it. I know that fatigue will set in if I do. When I don't feel right I take the videos slower.

Good luck!!

current weight: 245.0

260 240 220 200

180

SparkPoints: (1,424)
Fitness Minutes: (2,064)
Posts: 1
12/6/11 4:35 A

I used to run 35 miles a week, but then the left foot droop made me trip too often. The twins were born about then, and the stability of the jogging stroller was fantastic. When they grew out of that, I went to my treadmill. Then eventually I was tripping too often on that and sprained and ankle.

Then the flood came and drowned the treadmill. We used the insurance money to buy an exercise bike. Unfortunately, the work I did to repair the damage after the flood threw my back out badly. After 2 years of my doctor not really believing me, I saw a specialist who immediately did surgery.

That was July. Since August I have been on the stationary bike 5-6 times a week, and have lost 50 pounds! Somewhere between 36 and 46 to go! I am back to a 12 in my jeans, and won't stop until I get back to 6's!

SparkPoints: (21,377)
Fitness Minutes: (56,548)
Posts: 366
11/26/11 5:07 A

The bike in the bedroom in front of a TV sound great!!! I wish I had space to do that!

Pedal pedal pedal away........

Posts: 557
11/11/11 11:11 A

I used some of my SSDI back pay to buy a recumbent stationary bike. I have it in a back bedroom parked in front of a TV, and I can peddle away in comfort.

Pounds lost: 25.2

0 15.5 31 46.5

62

SparkPoints: (21,377)
Fitness Minutes: (56,548)
Posts: 366
11/2/11 4:10 P

I am still able to do most exercise. I do have balance issues do when I am on the treadmill I have to use one hand lightly on the handle/rail or else I look like I have had a ltiile too many beers. Water aerobics is also pretty fun!! Oh and my favorite...taking to doggie for a walk

Posts: 85
10/30/11 5:06 P

My problem with exercise is poor balance. I have orthopedic problems because I've fallen so many times, and I definitely don't want to break any more body parts. My exercises of choice are swimming (it's hard to lose your balance or overheat in the pool), walking outside, and the recumbent bike. I'm also sure to count it as exercise when I scrub floors, lift laundry, or spend lots of energy making dinner, because the last thing I need is to be beating myself up that I didn't exercise when I actually accomplished a lot.

current weight: 210.5

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145

Posts: 342
2/15/09 9:40 A

Good point - all these books seem to go over a lot of stuff we already know. I need something to motivate my daughter to exercise - she has a nice Yoga video for MS but she dosen't use it. Some days I am glad if she is sitting instead of lying down. She started PT last week - she seems to need the one one one to get her going. Her cognitive problems and depression are a major issue.

Posts: 4
12/11/08 2:41 A

Tazma1,
I found an enlightening book about titled "Exercises for Multiple Sclerosis" by Brad Hamler. ISBN 978-1-57826-227-4 He covers the why's and where for's the treatments available, etc.. Most of us with MS know that stuff. The exercise part is quite good. Hope this helps.

Posts: 44
8/12/08 10:39 P

Thank you so much for finding the video! I really appreciate it!--Jean

Posts: 1,396
8/10/08 11:06 P

Hi Jean,
It took me ages to find it again, so I'll post a link here. There are lots of places for videos on this site. These are under 'Healthy Lifestyle': www.sparkpeople.com/resource/fitness_artic
les.asp?id=720

It doesn't say anything about being for balance-impaired folks, but it seems tailor-made. Let me know how you like it!

Posts: 44
8/10/08 1:57 P

Hi Healthybiz! Where can I find the video you referred to? I wasn't really sure where to find it in the video archive. Thanks!--Jean

Posts: 1,396
8/8/08 1:07 A

Did any of you see the SparkPeople exercise video posted yesterday? I thought it was great for us! It was done using resistance bands and all the exercises were done sitting in a chair! Give it a try for a little variety.

Oh and congratulations!! Tazma, on the 5 lb loss. I keep losing and regaining the same 1-2 pounds. But I feel a breakthrough coming! And your story is inspirational and helpful.

Posts: 53
7/26/08 3:43 P

Thanks for all your idea's! The bike looks like the way I'll go. I've done an MS exercise video on youtube and that seems very good. You're right the more you see the weight come off the more you want to do! I've lost 5lbs in about a week and half on spark and I feel my motivation growing.

Posts: 2,968
7/22/08 6:58 P

Yes...very important not to over hear...cool water to drink and our treadmills have fans on them...otherwise I don't know what I would do...

current weight: 171.6

193 187.65 182.3 176.95

171.6

SparkPoints: (5,598)
Fitness Minutes: (4,837)
Posts: 548
7/22/08 6:52 P

My doctor told me to do 20 minutes of cardio a day. SOoo.. i make myself walk, bike, strength train, anything to get that cardio in. My strength training does cause me to sweat the whole time.

It's difficult! I'm having a very unmotivating week, so it's difficult for me right now.. but I do know after four days of doing small cardio I felt better by the fifth and looked forward to doing more. If you have access to a swimming pool or lake that is the best! you won't overheat! check with local schools, the Y or gyms.

Also, I found the bicycle pedals for in the house was a great way to start. but overall, finding a hobby that you like the most will keep you going longer. I love to bicycle - I didn't know that until this past month when i bought a hybrid bike and i now love it.

good luck!

Pounds lost: 5.0

0 23.75 47.5 71.25

95

Posts: 2,968
7/22/08 4:13 P

It took me two and a half years to come out of this relapse to where I could actually go to a gym. My doctor was very reluctant to let me go because I have other rheumatologic problems that complicate it...but I convinced him I would be careful...(hahahaha) I started off very slowly...and I mean slow like a turtle...I did not over extend myself in any way...to build muscle with free weights you usually have to bring the muscle to "failure"...you cannot do that with MS...you just do what you can do comfortably...if all you can start with is one of whatever ...that's what you do and then add on to it slowly...I now can do 3.5 to 4 miles in 80 minutes...and some core and strenth training exercises...then when I go home I will lay down for a nap or generally rest...I go three times a week if I can...when I had relapsed I could do nothing...now I can do something...I am trying to stay healthy so if I do get hit again I will be stronger and not loose all of what I gained...
as far as motivation...when you see those pounds coming off because of the exercise it will motivate you even more...
Just remember if all you can do is 20 minutes then that's all you can do...but do it! You will be fine!

current weight: 171.6

193 187.65 182.3 176.95

171.6

Posts: 53
7/22/08 9:19 A

What do you do for excersise? I'm having trouble getting motovated, I've done yoga in the past and plan on getting back to that, but it's the aerobic part that I'm putting off. How do you work up the energy, when energy is in such a small supply?