Fibromyalgia is a chronic medical condition that causes widespread pain all over the body. This includes the muscles and joints, which often leads to problems with day-to-day activities.
The symptoms of fibromyalgia are aggravated by inactivity, making exercise an important part of both management and prevention. Exercise has been shown to reduce pain associated with fibro as well as improve sleep quality, mood, and energy levels all at once.
Best Fibromyalgia Workouts
Exercise works on multiple levels for people with fibro, including boosting mood, increasing energy, reducing pain, and making it easier to fall asleep. Many types of exercises have specific benefits for those living with fibromyalgia.
Here is a look at the best exercises for fibromyalgia;
Swimming Pool For Fibromyalgia Treatment
Taking part in regular exercise reduces stress and boosts endorphins, which can help relieve muscle pain and stiffness. One of the easiest ways to get started with an exercise program is swimming pools.
Not only does swimming take virtually no pressure off joints, but it also provides a gentle workout that promotes flexibility and mobility. Daily swimming exercises should be done for people suffering from fibromyalgia because lack of physical activity is one of the biggest contributors to the condition.
People who suffer from fatigue may find themselves more tired after swimming, but this disappears quickly when resting or sleeping. It takes time to build up strength when starting any new activity, but swimming pools are an excellent choice for those living with the condition.
Walking Is The Best Exercise For Fibromyalgia
The same can be said of walking, which is one of the best exercises for fibromyalgia sufferers. Walking requires very little equipment or preparation and can be done almost anywhere at any time.
It’s also low impact, meaning it puts virtually no stress on muscles or joints, making it perfect for people who suffer from chronic pain. Exercise guidelines suggest getting around 30 minutes of moderate exercise every day.
This may seem like a large amount to those with less stamina, but even taking a 10-minute walk 5 times per week has been proven to be clinically effective in reducing symptoms. It is important not to overdo it during the first few weeks of a walking program, as this could result in injury.
Fibromyalgia Exercises: Yoga and Stretching
Another great option for those suffering from fibro is yoga. There isn’t one type of yoga, and they offer different physical and psychological benefits to those with fibromyalgia.
For example, Hot Hatha yoga incorporates long-held restorative poses that promote deep relaxation, while Iyengar focuses on holding each pose longer than usual to work into deeper ranges of motion that may otherwise be difficult.
Although there’s no definitive evidence as to why stretching helps relieve pain associated with fibromyalgia, it has been proven to reduce stress levels, which can further exacerbate symptoms.
Those who suffer from fibromyalgia tend to have a more rigid musculoskeletal system, and stretching can help increase flexibility along with reducing pain. Yoga isn’t for everyone, but it does provide a wide variety of benefits.
If a certain type of yoga is unbearable or makes symptoms worse, try another type until there’s one that feels right.
Enjoy Your Fibromyalgia Workout Routine
The best exercises for fibromyalgia are those that not only feel good but also provide long-term benefits. Swimming may be excellent for many people with the condition, but if it doesn’t help decrease pain or fatigue, try something else.
Keep trying until there’s an exercise routine that feels right and provides greater quality of life. It is important to remember that everyone is different and what works well for one person may not work at all for another.
The key is finding a balance between physical activity and rest in order to better manage symptoms that affect daily activities, sleep patterns, and enjoyment of hobbies.