Exercising with Fibro, Joint Hypermobility, M.E. And anaemia

[beststepforward]

The anaemia is being treated.

Prior to having Covid in March, I managed to get to the gym twice a week and do maybe 10 / 12 mins warm up, 2 or 3 sets on 4-5 weight machines and another 5-10 mins cool down

I've restarted the gym twice a week and I'm only doing 7 mins slow walking warm up, 1 set on 3-4 machines on the lowest weight (5kg) and I'm absolutely floored with fatigue. It's taking over the rest of the week. I'm sleeping the rest of the day and the day following the gym and barely functioning when my 5&3 yo are with me (in childcare 3 days a week).

It's sooo disheartening but I don't really know how to decrease the workout further.

I need to do the weights to help strengthen my muscles so my joints don't play up as much (hypermobility) and it's all catch 22

I average about 7k steps a day.

Can you change from machines to free weights so using less weight?

I have fibro, I started really small (think 7 minutes a day) then increased from there.

Never up your workload more than once a month.

Good luck

Yes, I'm Wondering if I need to pace better - in about 7 weeks the kids will be in school so I'll be able to go to the gym everyday and do a tiny bit even which will work out better overall.

I prefer the weight machines because it's easier to control the joints but perhaps I do need to just do the warm up and 1-2 machines (which at the time feels too easy) and stick at it for way longer than I want to

Google the Levine Protocol. It's a bit basic for you but might give you some pointers 🌻