Illness and exercise

[watervole]

If I'm ill for more than two or three days, one annoying side effect is shoulder pain.

How come?

If I'm too unwell to get any exercise, then I don't go down the gym/allotment or do my weight exercises at home.  It usually only takes three or four days without exercise for the muscles to start losing tone, and as soon as that happens, the neck/shoulder pain kicks in.

The wretched norovirus around Christmas had me for two weeks without any exercise.  I still hadn't quite got back to my normal level of fitness when I got a bad cold.  Result?  Yep, the neck and shoulder are painful.  I'm working gently down the gym, but it takes time and a willingness to keep exercising when I ache.  (I stop immediatly if it gets painful - it would be stupid not to - but I'll keep going though a low grade ache)

I guess I'm posting this mainly for those of my friends who have health problems that are aided by exercise:

Remember that if the exercise makes your problem improve, then stopping exercise will make it get worse again.  It isn't a one off cure - you have to do it regularly.

A little exercise is better than none.  When I was first recovering from the norovirus, I had to use my weights at a third of what I normally use - I kept it gentle and easy until I was well enough for more.  If you can't walk for half an hour a day, then start with five minutes a day.

Exercise has the handy side effect of improving your overall mood.

Comments

[spacefall.livejournal.com]

My bike is my anti-depressant - can't fix everything, but helps me keep on a level when things are going OK in general life. I also don't stress out about getting 'enough' exercise, as I don't have to think about it beyond day to day riding and walking. Unfortunately the bike is now ill, but I have a second (folding) bike for these situations! Being stuck without a bike the last time was rubbish :/

[watervole.livejournal.com]

If you're doing daily walking and cycling, then you don't need to think about exercise as you're already covered.

I need to get new lights for my bike so I can use it for going to Guides.

(Like the icon!)

[glitterboy1.livejournal.com]

Yes, I definitely notice the difference, if I don't have chance to do anything for more than a few days. Not necessarily in terms of pain, but certainly in terms of a general feeling of awkwardness and stiffness compared to how I usually feel. Although I think that some basic benefits persist for longer, it's surprising how quickly you can notice losing your 'top form'.

I hope that you can work your exercise back up again soon to where you need it to be.

[julesjones]

I noticed last week that I *feel* running for the bus since I cut down my walking speed to and from the bus stop. (Which I had to do, because I'm Officially Middle-Aged and apparently can no longer do 45 minutes of brisk walking five days a week without triggering plantar fascitis). I'm not walking slowly, just not walking at a speed high enough to push my heart rate much, and it's made a difference in my fitness level.

[rockwell-666.livejournal.com]

Regarding the plantar fascitis, if you haven't already done so, you might like to visit your GP and get them to refer you to your local podiatrist.

I've had similar problems (and also knee pain) caused by having excessively flat feet and wearing trainers that didn't support properly.

Now I've got a set of insoles which put my foot in the right position and it makes things a whole lot less uncomfortable.

[julesjones]

I've been to my GP, and had a conversation that in part went, "And... oh, you are wearing sensible shoes." :-) For me it was very much suddenly shifting to doing a lot of high speed, and thus high impact, walking daily. But I suspect that if I'd not been wearing sensible shoes I'd have been a lot worse a lot quicker.

[vjezkova.livejournal.com]

Thank you for encouraging my lazy body. Your experience speaks for itself. I am going to do some stretching! :-)

[sallymn.livejournal.com]

I started walking last year - 30-40 minutes after work. Unfortunately, it's waayyy too hot right now but as soon as possible, I'll get back to it, because it did help.