Stress reduction, relaxation and exercise are the best treatments for fibromyalgia, according to the Mayo Clinic. While medications can help to control the symptoms of the musculoskeletal disorder, the lifestyle changes you make could have the greatest impact. Symptoms of the disease include fatigue, muscle soreness, inability to sleep and unpredictable mood swings. Various exercise machines can help you increase your energy, build lean muscle mass and produce endorphins that ultimately will help you feel better.
Elliptical Trainer
An elliptical trainer is a low-impact exercise machine that can provide you with a platform on which you can increase your heart rate and build up your strength. The gentle pedaling of the footpads does not strain your aching joints. The movements are circular and soothing for tight, stiff joints. Most elliptical machines have handles that you hold to provide upper body range of motion to work your arms and shoulders. You can set the resistance on low and easily work the kinks out of your entire body.
Stability Ball
A stability ball is an ideal piece of equipment for people with fibromyalgia because it provides flexible support as you sit on it to perform other exercises. At the same time, you must engage leg and core muscles just to remain upright on the ball, increasing your trunk strength to help with your posture and your ability to perform everyday activities. Hold light free weights while sitting on the stability ball and lift them over your head and do tricep and bicep curls to build muscles. Lie back on the ball to do crunches that further strengthen your core muscles in your abs, back and sides.
Flotation Devices
Water therapy is an ideal form of exercise for fibromyalgia patients because the warm water in a pool soothes aching skeletal muscles. Water also provides sufficient resistance to challenge your muscles and help you reach aerobic peaks. Use flotation devices such as tubes and paddleboards so that you can work on specific muscles groups independently. At the same time, you can stop in the water if you are struck with a painful fibromyalgia attack and float for a while until you are ready to resume your workout.
Stationary Bicycle
For many people with fibromyalgia, exercise often exacerbates symptoms and makes them feel worse. At the same time, inactivity leads to muscle atrophy, cardiovascular disease, impaired posture, stiffness and a host of other consequences. A stationary bike provides a low-impact form of exercise that places little stress on your body while increasing your heart rate and building muscle fitness in your legs and core. According to the American College of Sports Medicine, it's important to engage in exercise every day, even if it's only for 10 minutes at a time, to maintain your fitness momentum. There are many small stationary bikes on the market that you can keep in a corner of your home and ride at regular intervals each day, gradually building up to longer times with increased intensity until you're ready to tackle more challenging workouts.
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