Exercise (s) what do you like to do?

I'm always hesitant to share "limitations" because, paraphrasing the familiar, "what you behold, you become." I acknowledge that many on this site have health and other problems far greater than mine; however, none of us are racing for last place and it probably helps to see what other people do to manage this condition.

I couldn't walk for two years due to an injury and two surgeries didn't work as well as I had hoped but I'm doing better by far today. That limits some of the activities that I would like to do. So the things that I do are:

Walking
Yoga
Golf

Walking is free. It admittedly can get boring, but so can anything and if you listen to music or distract yourself from the task; or in the ideal can enjoy where you walk and mentally sort things out in your mind along the way…it's very therapeutic.

Yoga can be free. There are books or DVD's at the library. Just minor stretching and especially after walking is probably the most physically beneficial thing that I do.

Golf can be very cheap. I usually just go to the driving range and that's an inexpensive and peaceful few hours if I take my time. The outdoors is great and I find it to be mindless, which can be a relaxing state of mind.

I have neuropathy so walking can be painful at times but I just adjust to it. Some days I can do more than others and I absolutely always feel better after I do it (and stretching or yoga afterwards).

I'm actually concentrating on fitness more than when I was first diagnosed a year and a half ago. I can say that I have a more healthy lifestyle than before I received this diagnosis. I got a recumbent exercise bicycle and use that several times a week also.

I know for certain and encourage you to do little things that increase activity and make healthy choices. I understand that the cost of food is expensive and a challenge for you. Buying fresh vegetables can be inexpensive and fills you up. Others here can make better recommendations than I can regarding food because at this point in my life, food isn't very important to me and eating healthy is very easy now.

There are lots of success stories here. Each one is very encouraging. Just keep trying.

That is the game plan! Hugs

i like to walk and listen to music, swimming and dancing.. housework with weights on my legs also works.. on vacation in this cold country-uk.. i do the treadmill as its sooo cold… to go walking as much as i would normally and i havent founda place to go swimming yet.. but should by this weeekend as i do miss that… it helps beuild back the strength in my legs…

Now that sounds great! Mixing it up! Excellent! Good Luck! Hugs

From 2001 - 2006 I taught epee style fencing to youth. This was a great exercise, yet foil fencing is even more work, & sabre too. But since my back muscles have gone all weird I can hardly stand at the sink and brush my teeth, let alone go for a walk.

Ok I totally understand that. Now do you use any kind of heat to help loosen your muscles to get them warmed up first? Or maybe some gentle massage? You could get those two plus maybe an old fashioned beaded car seat cover to help you with the massage this way you can add the pressure that is comfortable to you. I know it will take time, yet talk to your doctor before you do anything first. Get the OK from your doctor. Do it slowly in small steps. I hope this helps as it was meant too. Hugs

Much thanks!

Sure np I know when my muscles are warmed up they tend to be loose. Hugs

I swim about 3 to 4 times a week, got the ok from both my cardio and pulmonary drs. to do as much as I can tolerate. It works just about every muscle both inside and out. It's great for my heart and has been a big help with my lungs, with having copd it really gets hard to breath at times. So by swimming it has slowed down the progression of the copd. I'll keep it up as long as I can.

Excellent Great Job! :)

I am still walking 5 miles ea day…Just passed my 2yr since diagnosed with diabetes 2/10…feel so much better than 2 yrs ago.

Exactly! :)

It's great to be able to do something like that. I know I've felt so much better since I started. Great work.

I do Tai Chi 2x per week for an hour in each session. Very relaxing and has improved my balance. Also walking when the weather permits and treadmill when it doesn't.

Great there is also Mall Walking as another way. Hugs

I am triing to be an athele after a set of twins and a hubby that was almost as bad… always wants attention..I started 2 yrs ago and 75lbs heavier i now on feb 26 2012 will be doing my 2nd half marathon.. and about 10 triathalons..

Well I understand that. I am one half of a set of twins myself. LOL Mind you my Mother had six kids and at one time 3 of us were in diapers. Understand about the hubby too. Rofl Hugs Keep up the good work.

Hi Temi, I have a whole collection of old VHS tapes and now have started a DVD collection, my collection has been over a 15 yr. Period. About 6 months ago purchased a DVD/VHS player combo so now I change it up. My favorite is Tae BO I love to move so cardio for me is at least 40 minutes. I also have free weights, have is right want to get back into strengthening. During the summer months I love to hike since we live in the mountains there's nothing like a vigorous walk, gotta watch my numbers since this seems to be the most strenuous due to the incline. For fun sometimes I just put on Michael Jackson and dance! I love to exercise!

Awesome! Hugs

http://www.thepostgame.com/blog/training-day/...

Found this and thought to share. Pretty interesting new exercises.

I love dancing… my work is also some form of exercise.. I walks around much and more on my feet… I would really like to starts some form of strenght training though..

I go to the gym most days and do intervals on the treadmill. My point is you have to work up a sweat/heartbeat. This also helps exercise the small arteries in your feet…and the increased blood flow also helps your kidneys and eyes. Avoiding complications is my #1 goal. Burning 300-400 calories is also a side-benefit which also helps your blood glucose. In addition, I like to go through a half dozen machines to tone up. Fear of complications, here, is the motivator. As we use to say: "No pain, No gain".

I walk 3.5 miles every night. Have a tread mill in my computer room so slap a movie in and walk. I work in a shop working on computers so don't get out very much but I walk there about 4 to 5 miles a day.
Roy

If you visit UK , I'll dance with you…

Well, walking is #1. Always with music! (What are you listening to these days Temi? I’m always looking for new stuff).
Yard work is #2. I live in an area where something or other is always falling from the trees, so if I’m not out with a rake or lawnmower once a week it’s rare.
Since I’m saddled with most of the heavy housework and repair, that comes in as #3.
I will lift a few weights though if stuff slacks off around the hoUse.

1. Walking
2. Housework
3. Assorted home exercises (jumping jacks, steps, jogging in place, etc…)
4. Aerobics dvd's

My #4 is on hold right now. I ordered new dvd's but have only received the one that I'm not in condition to use right now. But my low impact aerobics dvd is scheduled to arrive today. Can't wait! I'm sure once I get started, my top three will change up.

Ride bike
Wii Fitness
Dancing

My favorite is dancing. When I am dancing I often forget that I have burning neuropathy, perhaps due to the endorphin rush I get. I also have balance problems and the dancing helps me overcome that also I believe. But I only dance with a partner so that rather limits me as to when I could do it (partner helps to counterbalance so I don't fall down).

my husband has balance problems after his stroke.what would you recomend as in exercise or anything to help balance thanks

thanks jayabee

you are most welcome

someone just recently posted this ~ http://www.diabeticconnect.com/discussions/14... ~ I am trying this and it is difficult to get beyond two swings of each of the legs, but I will continue to try it and see if I can work up to more.

I pray your hubby is helped by this.

Have tried it myself and am up to two swings with the right leg and three with the left. I make sure and have something to grab quickly to keep my balance. I have been fighting some head congestion that has had me off balance for a few weeks.

I do. This might even be something which could be done using a "walker"

Yes, that would be another good use for a walker. When I was retraining my brain after being in bed for the better part of a year I used my walker as a little extra support when I was finally brave enough to stand and put on/off clothes. Being on one leg left me feeling unsteady for awhile.

now I just use it to hang some clothes on. (I am totally a bachelor)

Towel bar for mine. The ones in the apartment are too far from the tub. It can be right next to the tub, then folds away in between uses.
I'm thinking it could be used to hold my laptop with a few adaptations.

Ya'll are smart! Hugs

My husband just suggested a balance board might work with a walker alongside to keep a hold of or ready to grab.

Wise and fun! Hugs