I never thought I would be able to exercise with Fibromyalgia. Getting out of bed seemed like a physical feat on it's own. How on Earth was I supposed to supplement my weight loss if I could barely get myself to the bathroom?

In a previous post, I discussed my weight loss plan involving Calorie Counting on my Fitbit. Well, as it turns out when the Fitbit tracks my calories burned it adds to it every time I exercise. So if I go for a long walk, my calories burned will jump up. I can even walk around my house and it still counts as exercise so long as I get my heart rate up. This shocked me. Just walking around, gently and at my own pace, could increase my calorie burn. That let me eat more and still meet my weight loss goals. I thought it was a bit of a joke, that my fitbit was lying. But every week I continued to meet or exceed my weight loss goals by adding more steps. I was so pleasantly surprised and empowered that I started walking more when I wanted a snack. I felt motivated to push myself because I knew I had something that worked. This changed my beliefs about exercise and I felt more confident that I could really keep this routine up.

Around the time I figured out the whole stepping burns calories thing, I was instructed by one of my doctors to try a water fitness program. She wanted me in the pool, exercising gently once a week. I scoffed. That was out of the question. Getting to the pool, let alone working out for almost an hour, seemed impossible in my condition. Then my mother, who is recovering from major abdominal surgery, agreed to join me in this program. It would help her recovery, I would have a ride to the pool and I would have the support to keep going. Still, I didn't know if I could do it, if I could push through the pain.

Here's a list of some of the activities the doctor requested I complete:

• Forwards Walking 5 Mins 
• Backwards Walking 5 Mins  
• Side Step 5 Mins  
• Single Leg Balance 10 X Each Leg  
• Squats 20 X  
• Hip Flexion & Extension 10 X Each Leg 
• Arm Circles 10 X  
• Calf Raises 20 X

Getting in the pool changed my tune real quick though. I don't know exactly why, but I felt so soothed by the water and the weightlessness. My nerves calms and my muscles relaxed. The pain was lesser and when I began doing the stretches and basic aerobics the doctor requested, I found that while challenging the routine wasn't hard. Furthermore, when I added the workout information to my Fitbit, it helped me burn extra calories! After a few weeks, the pool program became a regular thing and I loved it. Spending the time with my mom and enjoying the water, I enjoyed it all.  Sure, instead of a regular "work out" I get a "swim out", but it works for me. The only thing I don't like is how heavy and sore I feel getting out of the pool. Too bad I can't live underwater, maybe my fibromyalgia pain wouldn't be so bad!

While exercising used to be entirely out of reach for me, a few small changes made it a regular and easy addition to my lifestyle. I'm very shocked to say that I'm enjoying it. Turning 24, setting these goals for myself, it's really changed my perspective. I can't wait to see what else this year brings!

-Dana.


Have you found any gentle exercises that work for you? Do you like aquafit programs? Have you ever used step counters for weight loss? Let me know what works for you in the comments!