Request for Simple Stretching and Strength Building Exercise Suggestions

[alee_grrl]

As my Lyme treatment progresses I am slowly regaining a tolerance and ability for exercise and physical activity. Because of the exercise intolerance caused by Lyme and the treatment side effects I have lost a great deal of upper body strength and flexibility. I would like to very slowly start incorporating stretching and strength training exercises into my week. I know many of my friends here have had similar issues and may have some ideas or resources. I would like to maybe integrate some very basic yoga exercises into my weekly routine. But right now I need things to be very bite sized and simple.

If you know of some good bit sized videos or exercise explanations particularly aimed at those recovering from long term illness, please feel free to share in the comments.

Comments

[jelazakazone]

Are you familiar with Feldenkrais? I have a book you can borrow called Relaxercise which has very easy movements (the whole idea is that you move slowly and with small movements to gain more flexibility). Let me know if you are interested and I will figure out a way to get the book to you! <3

[alee_grrl]

I'm not familiar with Feldenkrais at all. The Relaxercise books sounds super useful. I would love to borrow it. Thank you! <3

[jelazakazone]

I have to talk with dh, but I might be out running errands tomorrow later afternoon/early evening. I could probably drop it by your house (even just leave it at the doorstep) if you want. Do I have your address from the most recent email?

[alee_grrl]

I sent you an email with my address. You don't have to worry about it if you can't get to it right now. It's just something I've been thinking about.

[jjhunter]

I would strongly recommend checking out Pilates in addition to (or even in place of) yoga for the gradual strength building you're looking for; most yoga works best with a preliminary strength base to work with, and modifying them to work appropriately for your current needs would be something you'd want a good teacher there to show you the first time in person.

[alee_grrl]

Thank you. You make a very good point about having a teacher assist in modifying things for my current needs, and to help me learn to do the exercises correctly.

[untonuggan]

If you had spoons to come over, I could maybe show you some in person? Also, don't know if you're up for a class or two, but the local Rec Centers have some adapted yoga/pilates/strength building classes that are aimed at just the sort of thing you're talking about. So do a couple local yoga studios. Can email you info if you're interested? I also know a pretty good Yoga DVD, Healing Yoga by Rodney Yee; should be available at most B&N's.

[alee_grrl]

Both the coming over, or maybe taking a class here and there sound like they might be good considerations, particularly for those time when I have enough spoons. I will look into the Healing Yoga DVD as well. Thanks! <3

[untonuggan]

I might also have some copies of some handouts from PTs, if I do I'll see if I can get them to you somehow. *gentle hugs*

[alee_grrl]

::gentle hugs back:: Thank you!