Low ish impact workout for CFS/ME sufferer wanting to lose weight and tone up

[GreenToes]

Hi

I have tried Jillian Michael's 30 Day shred as my friend recommended it, I could manage the workout at the time, and got up to about day 19, but it was just having far too much of an impact on my energy the rest of the time. So I'm looking for a workout that will not wear me out too much, but will still have results even if I have to wait a bit longer! Ideally I'd like to use a DVD as then I can do it at any time of the day depending on my energy levels.

I was thinking about getting a yoga DVD as I went to a yoga class before developing ME so do have a small amount of experience with it. But I have no idea where to start when choosing a DVD!

Anyway, I'd be very grateful for any recommendations you may have :)

I have M.E./CFS and my nurse put on my medical notes that I wasn't to do exercise.

Sorry not helpful but I don't have it really badly, just that I manage it really well and keep well within my limits of what I can do (most of the time). I do know that this doesn't include exercise though. You could try walking uphill? This absolutely kills my legs though so I drive everywhere which is a pain, I have also tried an exercise bike and a step aerobics video but I just give up. Yoga may be the way to go but I find that having to hold my arms up etc just makes them ache really badly.

When I wanted to lose my baby weight after DS, I just cut down on the amount I ate. Tiny bit of pasta instead of half a plate full and only snack size chocolate, stuff like that. The weight did drop off so I was obviously eating too much crap.

You may also want to try posting in health or disabilities, more people may see it. I didn't even know there was a sports section on here and I doubt people with M.E./CFS check this board.

Hi

Thanks for replying, I have decided to go to a pilates class and give that a try as, having read some other threads, I think it'll be safer to do it in a class first rather than just trying to copy a DVD. If that doesn't work out I shall be back and will post in the other topic(s) as you suggested :)

It's interesting that you've been told not to do any exercise. My nurse and doctor said the complete opposite - I managed to work up to going to the gym once a week and still being able to cope with everything else, which I thought was quite an achievement, only to be told that I needed to go at least three times a week! That said, all their advice is conflicting and often just plain wrong so I have given up following it and just do what feels right for my body. I just really fancy doing something a bit active to try and get myself a bit fitter as I know I have fewer symptoms when I'm fitter.

Sorry that turned into a bit of an essay, anyway sorry to hear you're a fellow CFS/ME sufferer, but glad you're managing it so well, best wishes :)

Thanks very much.

I find that any sort of exercise just exacerbates my symptoms which is a real shame as I used to love going to the gym, swimming and aerobics. Now I can barely manage a length of the pool before being in total agony.

Good luck and hope it works out.