I am going to try water aerobics instead of lunges for awhile. Thanks for hte input.

When I was in school, the Physical Education teachers always used to say: "No pain - no gain."

HOGWASH

Now that we (society) know better, that old adage is out the window. A little sore - OK. A little stiff - OK. Really hurt from pushing too far - STOP!

Pain is the way our body says we did something wrong, that something is injured. Unfortunately, that is the part of our bodies that is screwed up with RSD. But we still need to pay attention and listen to the pain signals.

Congratulations on taking the initiative to get an exercise program. I am trying to do the same and I know it is very easy to always have a "good" excuse. Good for you!

Mike

Hi Suz-good for you! I read on the RSDSA water should be 86 degrees. That is what it is at the two clubs I used to belong to. I make sure mine is 86 when it's spring here, of course not to worry during the summer - phoenix- 82 is a little cool for me. Water therapy has saved my mobility and got my range of motion back on both my shoulders.
You have inspired me to get back exercising, thanks! loretta with soft hugs

I go swimming a few times a week but as the RSD progresses it is getting harder to do...But I push myself a little and do what i can. I feel better mentally after going for a swim. I use to do a lot- bike riding tennis etc but like all of you this RSD has robbed us of our fun! I hate it!!!!!

Debbie

I did my first water aerobics class the other night and seem to have done okay. The worst part was walking into the AC locker room after being in the nice warm pool area! Brrrrrr! The water from the hot shower felt really good, though; once I got there. Ha! I really appreciate all the encouragement from all of you. I plan to continue, but at a slower pace. Thanks again, and best to you all. =)

Ahhh, "no pain no gain". Dear god I hate that line! I was a young gymnast and constantly heard that. "Work through it!" That's another good one.

I just wanted to commend you on getting out there and doing something good for yourself! It takes courage to do something where there is the possibility of it going wrong on you. And isn't it awesome when it works out?

I wanted to put something out there for all of the people with leg/back issues: I just got those Reebok Easytone shoes, and they are so WONDERFUL! You know the work out balance balls? It's kind of like there are little ones on the bottom of the shoes, and it helps you to almost roll into a step instead of bending as much. My bf got them for me and I've been absolutely loving them. (I've even been walking more lately, and out of the blue he commented that I'm not favoring my leg as much.) So that's a win! And they have bright neon green stripes on the side that make me feel faster! They're like racing stripes for slow people

Lynns

I have tried exercising at places 3 times and couldn't do it. I joined Curves and got worse. My PCP came into the Curves place to look at the machines and said not to do it after me getting worse.

The second I joined last year. I thought I could do those machines and set my own pace, didn't work. I do have TOS though and using my arms and hands is almost impossible.

Yesterday, I talked to a lady that offered me personal yoga lessons. I don't want to waste anymore money. You join these things thinking you can do them and it just seems unlikely due to the pain we endure afterward.

I also think that by doing the vigorous exercises it makes things worse in the long run. We don't know what we are doing to the RSD while we are exercising but it comes out weeks and months later.

I try and walk everyday. I am very active with things around town here and the boys but walking seems to at least keep my weight at the same. I still need to lose some and the walking I hope will keep me from gaining over the Christmas holiday, it did through Thanksgiving. It keeps my legs moving but I can't find anything that works for my arms. Bands are a definate nono to me.

I would do like some of the others and try the water arobics. I couldn't keep up with the class of them due to my arms but I liked the warm water.

We have to all keep active somehow. It's very hard with being in the shape we are in. Some are worse then others and it's even harder for them but we just have to keep going.

I hope the gym works for you. After you try something in the gym that makes you worse, maybe just bypass it from then on.

Ada

Try the hot tub. It's wonderful.

Just do 5 minutes the first time since you might not be able to do more.

My son also goes swimming a couple of times a week. I tell myself that swimming is one of the best exercises and its also fun, his sister can go also.

Gitte - Olivers mum