We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Fitness

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

Is Exercising with Fibromyalgia a Good Idea?

By M.R. Anglin
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 3,437
Share

For people with fibromyalgia, exercising an excellent idea. The pain of fibromyalgia can often make it difficult for someone to participate in various activities, but remaining inactive may exacerbate the pain and stiffness associated with the disorder. Exercising with fibromyalgia can help to reduce these symptoms and can help a person sleep better. They key is to choose the correct type of exercise and to start exercising slowly.

Fibromyalgia is a condition that is characterized by chronic pain all over the body. In some areas, called tender points, the pain may be even worse when pressed. The condition may also cause fatigue and sleep deprivation. Exercise may relieve some of these symptoms and help to increase the ability to remain active. In fact, exercising with fibromyalgia may help to recondition muscle and can help a person become more active with less pain.

There are many benefits to exercising with fibromyalgia. Parts of the body, such as the muscles, tendons, and ligaments, can become stronger. In addition, a person’s range of motion can increase. The endorphins released while exercising can also help reduce depression. Exercise can even help a person obtain a better sleep.

When exercising with fibromyalgia, it is often important to start slowly. If starting off at just a few minutes per day is all a person can handle, it is usually enough. The important thing is not to overdo it, but at the same time push the body so it can get stronger. If there is sharp pain, it may be a sign of overdoing it. Soreness, however, is to be expected when a person begins exercising.

Many types of low-impact exercises can be recommended for a person who wants to start exercising with fibromyalgia. For example, walking is often an excellent place to start. Swimming is recommended because it does not put much stress on joints. Biking may also be a good choice. It may also be important to include stretching in such an exercise regimen.

The goal should be to increase the amount of time a person exercises until he is able to work out 30-60 minutes a day. It is often important to start small and add one or two minutes a day until that goal is reached. A combination of different exercises in the day’s routine and consistency in the exercise regimen may also be important to experiencing the benefits of exercising with fibromyalgia. Whatever exercises are done, it may be wise to check with a person’s doctor and perhaps an exercise professional before starting. Not participating in exercises correctly could cause injury.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
By cmsmith10 — On Jun 06, 2011

@wesley91- My fibromyalgia symptoms were also preventing me from doing any kind of exercising. After much trial and error, my doctor and I found a combination of medications that worked for me. It made a world of difference.

I am not quite up to five miles a day but I am getting there. I am so glad that you are able to walk and exercise. I love to hear about others like myself that experience such progress.

By wesley91 — On Jun 04, 2011

Before I got on proper medications, my fibromyalgia pain was almost debilitating. It hurt to walk, much less exercise. Now that I have been on meds for about three months, I am feeling much better and I am walking five miles a day. The exercise seems to rejuvenate me and I have never felt better.

Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/is-exercising-with-fibromyalgia-a-good-idea.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.