Very Gentle Exercise in CFS & Fibromyalgia
Post-exertional fatigue is a common part of CFS and fibromyalgia. In fact, it can result in some people being bedridden for days after exercise. But when being treated for any debilitating illness, including cancer, gentle reconditioning is a critical part of getting well. The key is to find an "exercise" program that you can follow given the severity of your symptoms. In short, that's why after "exercise," I add the words "— as able!"
In this part 17 of my series "Fatigue & Fibromyalgia Are Optional," I summarize a few thoughts that can help you, as you're able, incorporate an exercise routine into your CFS/FMS recovery.
BFF Summary
- As with any disabling disease, including cancer, it is important to walk or even exercise as able to avoid deconditioning. Nobody would dream of implying that this makes cancer any less real.
- In the same vein, anyone who implies that CFS/FMS does not warrant treatment because people need to maintain conditioning as able should get the same attention as those who would imply this is the case for cancer—which is essentially that they be ignored. Seriously. They are not worth your attention or time.
- Meanwhile, increase your stamina with HRG80™ Red Ginseng chewables and Smart Energy System™. In our two recent studies, these each increased stamina an average of 45% and 81% respectively! They work brilliantly together as well. More info on these two new studies coming soon!
- Walking is the best exercise. Do as much as you comfortably can while still feeling good that day and better the next day. If you feel wiped out the next day, you did too much. Rest a few days and then cut down by 20 percent.
- Using devices and smartphones apps like Fitbit can help.
- After ten weeks on the S.H.I.N.E.® protocol, energy production will usually start to increase, allowing you to increase your walking by fifty steps every few days.
- If you are too weak to walk, after ten to twelve weeks on the protocol see if there is a warm-water pool that you can get access to. The buoyancy will help you recondition to where you can start to walk on your own. Be sure that your low blood pressure issues are also addressed (addressed in detail in Chapter 15 of my book).
From My New Edition of From Fatigued to Fantastic
To remind you, BFFs (Brain Fog Friendly Summaries) are just the short summaries I include at the beginning of each chapter in my newest edition of From Fatigued to Fantastic. I added these to my new edition to help readers with brain fog quickly get the main points of a topic. Then, as able and interested, they can dive into each topic to get far more detail. I invite you to get the book. It will rock your world!
![Jacob Teitelbaum, MD](/sites/all/images/jacob-teitelbaum-on-home-bottom.jpg)
Jacob Teitelbaum, M.D. is one of the world's leading integrative medical authorities on fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue. He is the lead author of eight research studies on their effective treatments, and has published numerous health & wellness books, including the bestseller on fibromyalgia From Fatigued to Fantastic! and The Fatigue and Fibromyalgia Solution. His newest book (June 10, 2024) is You Can Heal From Long COVID. Dr. Teitelbaum is one of the most frequently quoted fibromyalgia experts in the world and appears often as a guest on news and talk shows nationwide including Good Morning America, The Dr. Oz Show, Oprah & Friends, CNN, and Fox News Health.