Exercise

[susiek]

Right now I am inactive because I am so freakin' exhausted. For the past 6-9 months, working out has been painful and tiring. Then when I got very sick in May I stopped everything. Except the occasional walk around the neighborhood with the dog(s).

I'm still eating gluten because I don't see the doctor until Friday.

What I'm wondering is if exercising helps you? A few years ago I was doing jazzercise and felt great. I am obese and have been blaming the aches/pains/lethargy on my weight. Until I read all the symptoms of gluten intolerance!

Should I force myself to be more active? I mean, most days I am running errands, doing craft-type projects. But I find myself reading and watching TV a lot these days.

[CarlaB]

Yes, I believe it got me through this. I never mentioned this thought to my husband, but he said the same thing to me one day.

If you are obese, you should talk to your doctor about it and start out slow. Maybe with walking. Once you can walk for some time, 20-30 minutes (even if it's slow), maybe see a personal trainer for advice on a routine for you. On days I don't feel good, I just do the same workout, but less strenuously.

[Guest southgoingzax]

Two days after my first biopsy I ran a half marathon (my first and last, dear god, I'm never running that far again!). I find that while exercising my intestinal cramps stop or decrease in severity, and I can actually get my mind off how tired and awful I feel. It can be really hard to get motivated, but I really think I kept exercising because it was my only relief, however temporary.

I don't think it could hurt to exercise, as long as you've consulted your doctor and don't push yourself too hard. I did kickboxing aerobics for a while and really loved it, so I hope you find the energy to get active again,

zax

[kbtoyssni]

I had severe joint/muscle pain and fatigue prior to going gluten-free. I could barely get up the stairs to my apartment so working out wasn't really an option. I ended up being diagnosed with fibromyalgia (which I now don't think I have) so I was going to physical therapy and working out in the pool. Nothing too major, leg lifts and walking in the water for five minutes. It did help me and I did start to get stronger but it was so hard.

When I went gluten-free I started out with five minute walks and increased from there. Working out became much easier as my body healed. I couldn't believe how much strength I'd lost from being sick for nearly a year.