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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 4 of 4. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Wildflower on September 30, 2003, at 8:56:01
First let me say that I'm not a big fan of working out or going to the gym. The thought makes me want to crawl into bed and hide under the covers. Anyway, I started taking community exercise classes held at local community centers. Even though I'm tired as heck, the interaction with other people was really helpful. It also helped that the class wasn't full of petite in-shape women (the kind that make me feel more depressed at the gym).
Posted by Sabina on October 1, 2003, at 3:41:28
In reply to Working out DOES help, posted by Wildflower on September 30, 2003, at 8:56:01
i definitely, always feel better, sleep better, think more clearly, on the days i go to the pool, take a sauna, etc. i even feel (gasp!) proud of myself, for a change. however, the mere contemplation of taking a "class" actually scares me. the *only* reason i am able to leave the house is because now i'm doing something that i *want* to do, for me, by myself, calmly and at my own pace. i do talk to other people there a bit, and that's nice enough in small doses, but it's usually deserted midday when i'm there. i'm slightly reclusive by nature and it just works out better (for me!) that way. i just could not force myself to go to a class. i know it's irrational, but it felt like a punishment to me on some level; and lordy, didn't i already feel punished enough as it was?
i'm really proud of you, definitely appreciate your post, and glad you're enjoying your class. i only wanted to share my (somewhat different) experience because i remember getting *so* terribly down on myself when i would hear people talk about the joys of exercise. it's silly, but they almost made me angry, even though i knew they were right and were only trying to help. due to some physical problems, i could barely get out of bed at times, so the encouragement of others only served to heighten my awareness that i wasn't measuring up. i know now that i was just angry at myself and my situation at the time.i had nearly lost all hope to become more fit again until i finally found something that i honestly enjoyed doing. i would just encourage anyone who's discouraged about their low level of activity to start with something they like the idea of doing, customize it to suit themselves more completely, and take it from there. even if it's just to take a short walk once a week. start with any small goal you can. use a reward system to treat yourself. whatever it takes.
hopefully, that first success will inspire you to set another goal. if not, then just do whatever it takes to be kind to yourself today (even if that means staying in bed eating ice cream, a widely prescribed medication on this board). also, try: laughing at a funny movie, meditating on a happy memory, or a foot massage with some aromatherapy oils. these can help release those happy, pain relieving chemicals, too.
the gym will still be there when you're ready. :)
Posted by Wildflower on October 1, 2003, at 9:08:13
In reply to Re: them endorphins is good stuff, posted by Sabina on October 1, 2003, at 3:41:28
OK, so here's the update... I felt slightly better after going to class. However, the sugar, chocolate, you-name-it cravings won't go away. Somehow I thought the magic food fairly would pay me a visit and bless me with better eating habits - not the case. ;-) I still can't fit into my pre-depression clothes but it is nice to be around people for an hour a week even if I don't exert myself for the full hour.
Posted by Sabina on October 1, 2003, at 12:31:37
In reply to Re: them endorphins is good stuff » Sabina, posted by Wildflower on October 1, 2003, at 9:08:13
i'm not really visited by the sweets monster, fortunately, but i do have trouble avoiding bread, cheese, and don't get me started on the potato. the self esteem payoff i get from actually leaving the house and working out makes me feel so much less hard on myself about my minor transgressions in that arena, though. i figure, the more often i go, the better my metabolism, and i'm still one step closer to wearing my pre-fibromyalgia clothes. i just had to find a no impact way to stay fit and save my joints. i'll say it again: i love going to the pool!
i'm glad you're able to enjoy the social aspect of the process. even if i had forced myself to attend one of the water exercise classes offered at my gym, i would have gotten too emotionally caught up in a distracting cycle of self hatred to be able to focus on or benefit from the experience. i would have lasted three weeks that way, tops. i don't like admitting that, but it's true. i do better on my own, going for myself and concentrating on my muscles (they're in there somewhere!) and not trying to follow instructions and keep up with everyone else. aaarrrrghh!
regular exercise is a major accomplishment for me, as i'm sure it is for you. i still have to deal with days when i'm just not well enough to leave the house. i start the day already so tired from the fibromyalgia that houlsehold chores are all i can muster sometimes. i'm trying not to concentrate too much on numbers and results, just doing what i know is good for me. i'm trying to just make it a natural part of my lifestyle and routine and trusting that things will improve over time.
good luck and keep us all posted on your progress!
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