Fibromyalgia is a multisymptom condition that affects approximately 2 percent of American adults. The American Academy of Family Physicians notes that women are more commonly affected than men. Fibromyalgia is characterized by pain in your joints, muscles, tendons and ligaments. Pain can be especially noticeable when you're touched on your "tender points," which include your shoulders, knees, hip joints and head and neck areas.
Symptoms
Besides general muscle pain and "tender points" problems, fibromyalgia can cause tiredness even if you receive plenty of sleep. MayoClinic.com notes that sleep disorders, including sleep apnea and restless legs, are also associated with fibromyalgia. Finally, as a fibromyalgia patient, you can also suffer from other conditions such as depression, irritable bowel syndrome and arthritis. Your symptoms can vary with weather conditions, physical exertion and hour of the day.
Significance of Exercise
Exercise can play an important role in keeping you healthy despite fibromyalgia symptoms. For example, the American Council on Exercise stresses that regular exercise can interrupt the vicious cycle of pain, lack of exercise and decreased muscle function. When your body becomes deconditioned, even a small amount of exercise can lead to sore muscles. You can also experience poor posture and reduced range of motion.
Beneficial Equipment
As a fibromyalgia patient, you'll benefit from a conservatively managed exercise program that gradually ramps up along with your body's capabilities. Besides stretching, the University of Maryland Medical Center recommends two types of exercise equipment beneficial for your fitness program. Stationary bikes and treadmills don't put unnecessary stress on your body, and can help with your overall conditioning.
Strength Training Benefits
In addition to your aerobic exercise, you'll benefit from a professionally developed strength training routine. Strength training can be executed with barbells or with exercise equipment designed to increase strength and muscle tone in specific areas. As you continue to train regularly, you'll likely feel less joint stiffness and experience more energy. Finally, increased strength will decrease your risk of osteoporosis, notes Fibromyalgia-Symptoms.org.
Professional Assistance
Remember that your exercise program should include a warm-up and a cool-down portion, in addition to plenty of stretching throughout your workout. If you have other physical conditions besides the fibromyalgia, the Arthritis Foundation recommends you find a trainer or physical therapist familiar with the limitations of those other ailments. She can help you design a program to safely increase your fitness level.
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