Treadmills, Yoga, Pilates--Quick Question?

[ICNJess]

Any fellow dieters out there?

I've got a quick question-- :hmm:

Does anyone flare after a yoga session, pilates session, or a treadmill work out? My husband just bought me a treadmill (early anniversary gift/quit-nagging-me-to-death gift :biglaugh: ) and I was wondering for those who do use a treadmill, how do you feel afterwards? I do yoga and pilates, and sometimes I get a nasty flare up...just would like some experience input.


Thanks :D

[momuv4]

I actually just started working out myself and I do the treadmill for 30 minutes, usually about 2 miles and then I do either Pilates, or a strength and training class and I also do some equipment. I have my worst flares after the treadmill. I don't know why, maybe it is because of the constant movement of the bladder. I also drink water while I am walking so that doesn't help. It is everything I can do to make it 30 minutes without jumping off to hit the restroom. I thought about trying the Eliptical machine but I think that would create more irritation, I don't know. Very interesting that you brought this up though, I would love to know how everyone deals with it because I do feel good after exercising.
Lisa

[ICNJess]

Thanks for replying, Lisa...I thought maybe I was a loon or something because of how I end up flaring--but I so desperately need to work out, and my fibromyalgia feels much better after some stretching and walking. I drink a lot of blue powerade (I can tolerate it) while I am working out too--and I end up having to leave my workout to go to the bathroom!

[momuv4]

That is funny you say that about your Fibromyalgia. I also suffer from that as well and it seems to help me with my Fibro as well. I can feel like crap when I go into the gym and when I leave my muscles feel much better. One thing I can't do is ride the bikes there. I have a bike and in the summer it is like torture for me to take a ride with my family. Thank god for the treadmill!!
Lisa

[liznazz]

I lowered the incline on my treadmill. I also lowered the speed. It's not as good of a workout, but at least it's something!! Not as intense, but at least I feel I'm working out! liz

[Betsie]

Jess,

I think recent studies have shown that you don't need to power walk or run in order to achieve a sense of fitness. Try less intense and smaller time increments...just do them maybe 3 times a day.

I think less is more sometimes and working yourself into a flair is no good. Twenty minutes on the tread mill spread out a few times during the day is a great fitness opportunity.

You might also want to incorporate low weight resistence training...not only will this increase your strength and is a major metabolism booster as well as a proven weight loss regimen...it should be very kind to your bladder...start with easy weights, 5 lbs max and when ready work up to 8lbs. The repetition and regular activity far outweighs trying to get a super workout in all at once. If no weights there are many programs you can do and achieve results, the isometric version of resistance training. I am sure you can google up lots of versions of programs. Good luck, you can do this...and you know how I love Pilates...its perfect.

Just remember, go easy and moderation is the key to staying the course. :) Not to mention being a gentler workout for your fibro.

[ICNJess]

I am not really sure about weights...maybe some really light ones I suppose. The worst part of my fibro is in my shoulders and arms, and my neck. Thanks for the input--I'm kind of hoping that my fibro will lessen with more weight loss.

[Betsie]

Don't be too afraid of weights...use very small ones, just for control...you can do this without them as well...but this is the first line of treatment recommended to my husband for fibro, low weight resitance training as well as cardio...you know what works best for you. Just a thought.

[tango58]

I just started back at the gym last week after a 3mth absence. I walk on the treadmill usually 30 minutes sometimes more sometimes less depending on how i feel. I am taking Elmiron for about 6 weeks now and I get dizzy so I have to watch my speed. I have long been a step aerobics fan but there is no way I can do that right know. I sometimes break up the treadmill session in two and do my free weights in between. I usually end up hurting by the end of my workout but in the long run I find it is helping me. I use to run alot but that won't be happening until I feel a whole lot better. I guess do a little of something is better than nothing at all.

[fireflicker285]

Lifting weights helps my fibro. I just am careful not to overdue it. It really helps....

[trytosmile]

I used to run but that is a no no know. The treadmill, I was getting off to go potty more than I was on it. Yes, did cause some irritation.

Yoga, tried, works well for me. I just have to limit my poses that involve alot of twisting in the stomach area. Same with pilates.

Lift small weights and no problems.

Baseball, ballhockey, golf, kickboxing and spinning classes, that I had to give up :cussing:

[twiggy]

Tried the treadmill and now I am hurting again. Bladder feels inflamed. I used to run A LOT before I got IC. I only did 20 minutes on a very slow speed with high impact shoes. Still irritated my bladder. Poop!

[ICNJess]

I used to run a lot before I had IC, along with roller skating, biking, walking...I was rarely home, always on the go. Now I'm a couch potato. Ugh...can't wait to get back on track. Thanks for the input...maybe I'll try weights, just so afraid of ending up in a fibro flare.

[Betsie]

With a proper workout plan, preferably a mirror for form...use the smallest weights Jess and i think it will be okay. If you were to do isometric arm exercises with no weights, I promise you will feel it anyway until you get those muscles going a bit...I know, I have avoided going back to Pilates for too long. :) Your arms are much younger, so give it a try....I think it can evenrually help you rather than flare your fibro....uh, could you do a few for me?

[Maribeth-rn]

Try doing the bike instead of the treadmill. You can exercise more effeciently and longer because you aren't putting pressure on your bladder! I discovered this a few weeks ago when my husband convinced me to start exercising to "feel better" and be less stressed. I can't really do weights because many of the exercises can flare ups, but the bike and swimming I can do successfully!

[janelle77362]

I use my elliptical about 15 minutes every other day. I have found that this light schedule is not very bothersome to my bladder. But I do make sure I take a pain pill about thirty minutes before exercising.

[kadi]

Elliptical is better for me than treadmill. I use it at low resistance & only for 10-15 min, then go do weights. Walking on land is no problem, walking uphill is okay, but walking downhill can trigger a flare. I put some extra Dr. Scholls insoles in my shoes (the thickest ones) and that has helped with walking. Yoga is okay, but I also avoid too much tummy twisting & the poses that require lying flat on stomach (cobra is not good for me at all, but child's pose is okay).

What has worked best for me at the gym is the rowing machine. If you're skinny, the exercise bike that leans back (i think it's called recumbent) might be okay. It didn't work for me because I've developed a tummy & my legs were bumping into it, causing flare. (Geez, how embarrassing).

Good luck, I hope you find something you like.

[ICNJess]

Well the treadmill just came and I hope it works out...as for the bike well...I love riding, but since I have had the InterStim and have lost weight with it in me, it tends to stick way out of me and jab me...sitting's kind of a pain on a bike, or at least my stationary. Double edged sword I guess...

Thanks for all the input...nice to know there are people who know what I am talking about! My friends look at me like I'm nuts when I give reasons as to why I can't work out for too long...yeesh!

[kadi]

Hey Jess,
Do try the extra padding in your shoes-that really helps! :)

[ICNJess]

Kadi,

I'm headed to the store tomorrow, I think I'll look into that. Thanks for the heads up!! :)

Hugs,
Jess

[carolynyeo]

hmmm treadmill fine, running ok, pilates puts me into major flare.

[Betsie]

hmmm treadmill bad, running-can't do it, even pre IC, Pilates is he best for me....we are so different eh?

[Thoney]

Hi guys, what is an Elliptical? Looking for some kind of exercise I can do while in a flare, probably not a good idea? I have been in a flare for over 3 months and have put on over 20 pounds...need to do something!!! HELP

[tango58]

Hi Jess124

I usually flare after exercise. My thing is that I didn,t exercise for almost 3 months from October/04 to December/04. I have been an avid exerciser for years and this was really devasting to me. I had just started running last year with a running club and I had to stop in August because the pain was just to much for me. I was not diagnosed with IC until November. I am trying really hard to get back into fitness but it is tough after a long day at work. Stress as my job really causes me some serious flare problems. I haven't done any fitness classes since October and I hope I can get back at that soon if this dizziness goes away.