Exercise

[sequimbea]

Since being diagnosed a few months ago, I try to go for a walk on my good days. Some days I can't get far at all, but other days I am okay. Does anyone have experience in exercise helping to slow down the progress of OT? I would love to hear from you regarding this.

Bea

[Abinadi]

Since being diagnosed a few months ago, I try to go for a walk on my good days. Some days I can't get far at all, but other days I am okay. Does anyone have experience in exercise helping to slow down the progress of OT? I would love to hear from you regarding this.

Bea

Well Bea, I am trying that very idea out now.

I just purchased and brought home a stationary bike. I've had it a week and I am up to 10 minutes at a time now, 3 times a day (I was really out of shape at the beginning). Speed 30 MPH and approx 70+ RPM. The first time, I tried to do those numbers and at the end I almost could not get off of the thing. So I backed off and approached those figures more slowly. Too early to tell what difference, if any, it will make. But at least I do 'feel' a little better.

The other exercise thing I have done is to buy a chair yoga DVD (coming via international mail). I think the stretching aspects of yoga will help keep me limber even if it doesn't help the leg shakes.

http://agelessyoga.org/chair_yoga.html

I will try to remember to keep you all posted as to how these ideas develop and whether they help.

Rich

[Joan]

My husband and I have a set of exercises we do each morning for 15 minutes. We use hand held weights and do upper arm exercises and sit ups Mon. Tue. & Wed. The rest of the week is leg exercises ( I sit for mine or lay on the floor ) and more sit ups. Then we go for a walk. In the winter we substitute an exercise bike for the walk if it's raining. I am positive it helps me with OT. It sure makes you feel better anyway to be limber. I'm thinking about trying out my Nordic walking poles, they are supposed to help people with balance problems.

[marian]

I have been going to physiotherapy twice a week for 4 weeks. The areas we are concentrating on are: strength, stamina, and balance. The first two have increased tremendously. I have been able to walk 1 1/2 miles twice, with only once sitting down. The balance still needs a lot of work, but it is somewhat better. The main thing is, I have more confidence in myself and am not afraid to go out shopping, etc. I'm not sure if it is the exercise or the medication, but something seems to be helping. My worst problem seems to be the ET is getting worse.

Bea

[gloria]

Hi! Bea and Everyone: Bea your post is another positive one on how important exercise is in our program for coping with OT. Gloria