Ok, been away for awhile, just been trying to deal with all of this and finally realized that I can either sit here and wait to die or I can get up and do something about it.
I have lost most of my upper body strength and muscle tone, I sometimes find it difficult just pulling a door a store open or pushing one all the way close. So my question is I need a work out program, one that will rebuild my strength and muscle. I don't have a lot of space and cannot afford a gym, even the YMCA. About the only thing I can afford is a couple of dumbbells, so anyone have any suggestions on what is a good program or where I could go to find one.
Thanks
Phil
Go to www.arthritis.org. They have (I think) a free video showing some basic exercises.
This site also has exercises that they use for recovery for surgery. They are very basic.
A lot of people here have used yoga successfully and you probably can get a good book from the library to get you started. I know if you search on yoga, you'll probably find the resources people have listed before. I think someone posted a really good web site.
Swimming is really good. I think some people have been able to work out something with a gym or school in order to use their pool. Check your local chaper of the Arthritis Foundation. They might know of some good programs.
You do need to talk to your doctor first before starting. If I remember right, you live a long distance from your doctor. What you could do is fax over the information about what you would like to try and have the nurse ask him if it is okay for you. Doctors really do support exercising so they should be cooperative.
One thing to remember when you exercise is to start very slow. I mean, it needs to be by baby steps. Your muscles have to be rebuilt slowly. If it hurts beyond just a muscle stretch then step back a bit.
If you are really bad off, Physical Therapy on the area that's the worst is best. If your insurance won't cover that, then definitely check out some of these exercises, printing out the ones that sound best and send them to your doctor for approval. I cannot stress enough how important that can be because we think we can do more than we might be ready for.
It's good to see you again.
I have always tried to remain active but in the winter months it is just terribly difficul tfor me just to get motivated.
I always did situps, bicycles and then stretches, pretty much your run of the mill stuff. I always begin with just five then work my way up.
You can prob find tons of info on the web for more exercises and an excersizing plan....as for dumbells, if you are anything like me those are up in the attic or in the closet, stuffed way in the back.If you never had any , use cans of veggies or soup till you can find some on clearance somewhere...Goodwill is always a good place to find that sort of thing as well.
Always be sure to protect your back and DO NOT OVER DO IT! It will set you back a few days and then you have to start all over. Building your strength back is not easy but it is better than not doing anything at all.
Maybe we should make up our own exercise program and try that. It may keep everyone motivated.......or I may be the only one that has trouble keeping motivated to exercise!!!!!!lol
jode
People are probably getting tired of me saying this....but, I'm an enthusiasatic yoga practitioner now. It's low impact exercise and really helps keep the muscles strong which protects the joints. For me, it also reduces pain and helps release stress. I just started with a beginning book and practice at home. I also walk...about 4 miles a day...not all at once though.
Alan