A new study about physical activity and fibromyalgia echoes what many in the medical and fitness fields have known for quite a while. The study found that short bursts of physical activity can be beneficial in calming the symptoms of the debilitating disease.
Fibromyalgia syndrome is a chronic disorder that causes repeated pain to the muscles and joints. Often times, those who suffer from fibromyalgia remain inactive with fears of worsening their symptoms.
The study was published this week in the Arthritis Research & Therapy publication and was conducted at John Hopkins University School of Medicine. It focused on Lifestyle Physical Activity or what study facilitator, Professor Kevin Fontaine refers to as LPA. LPA encompasses moderate-intensity physical activity found in everyday activities such as stair climbing, working in the garden and merely walking. The participants were instructed to do these activities at a perceived exertion where they breathed a little more heavily, but not to the point where they could no longer carry on a conversation.
The goal was to complete 30 minutes of exercise in two-to-three minute increments over the course of a day. Those who were given the exercises in the study, increased their activity by an average of 54-percent. Consequently, they also reported a decrease in pain and fatigue as to those who remained sedentary.
I myself have dealt with clients in the past who suffer from fibromyalgia. For those suffering from the disease, it is important when venturing into an exercise program to be mindful of doing a combination of stretching and also taking breaks when needed until your body reaches a level of tolerance.
It is also important to recognize that you’re going to have good days and bad days. Some days, maybe all you’ll be able to accomplish is some light stretching or a gentle yoga class. According to Fibromyalgiaexercise.net the greatest benefit of exercise is from Yoga. They say that Yoga will help you realize “increased flexibility, stimulation to organs and glands, increased blood flow, and decreased pain.”
On your good days you may want to up your activity level, while maintaining little impact, and go for a bike ride. Swimming is also a magnificent form of exercise for those who suffer from fibromyalgia because the water allows you to become more buoyant and less likely to put extra stress on your muscles and joints. I have found that clients in the past experienced a relief from the pain when exercising in a heated pool.
Going for a walk outside is also good not only for the body, but also the mind. Studies show that the above forms of exercise will help you increase your endorphins which will help your body regulate pain.
Joanne Sgro is a Television Fitness Expert, Certified Personal Trainer and Sport Nutritionist. She is Certified in Pilates, Pre-natal/Post-Partum, Yoga and Senior Fitness. She specializes in Weight Loss, Post-Rehab and Post Cancer Training. Joanne's fitness plans and recipes are available globally on her website www.fitnessanswer.com. She resides in the Phoenix, AZ area with her fiancé, where she runs her personal training business, Fitness Answer, LLC.