Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group What do you do to keep yourself moving?

I've been able to work my way up to a decent exercise program which consists of 40 minutes on an elliptical trainer 3 times a week and 40 minutes on a bowflex for strength training 3 times a week. I take one weekend day off from exercising. On the elliptical trainer I do a heart rate based program with a chest strap so that I'm in a good training range. When I first started on the elliptical earlier this year I could barely finish the 3 minute warm-up so I was in pretty bad shape to start.

Besides my regular exercise, I try and do some fun stuff like ride my dirt bike around the yard and occasionally some skateboarding. I'm trying to get in shape to do some skiing this winter for the first time in about 10 years.

It's pretty amazing considering that 3 years ago I was walking around with a profound limp taking lots of pain meds and still very much in pain most the time. I've had many set backs but found a treatment that works for me and kept trying different exercises until I found a routine that works well for me also...

NorCalJim

I love to go hiking and moutin climbing but when I am in pain Ijust forc myself through it witch I know is not good for you but Iam not going to quit untill the good lord tells me to LOL

Just keep trying stuff til one works for you... I heard some one say - "commit to keep trying". Not a bad idea, just take it easy committing....

When I'm in a routine, I do pilates, cardio and weight training. Always, however, I dance. I take Flamenco and always feel better afterward - mentally, emotionally and in some ways, physically. It's hard on my feet (the arthritis has hit the base of the toes on my left foot), but it's awesome for my upper back, shoulders, and lumbar areas.

I've been pretty unable to keep up with my routine for the past year, between my sweetie's two torn achilles and surgery, then the perforated colon just as he was hale after the surgery, my show, the film, the renovations and the family situation, not to mention my own achilles issues that had me in PT for most of the last year. I tried to keep up the dance, but between ankle pain and every other damned emergency, it was really difficult. I'm back in dance this fall and am looking forward to getting back into my pilates now that the new floor is laid.

If I do the Everest Base Camp trek with Joints in Motion, that'll shock me into a gym routine again.

How do I motivate myself? Well, it's not hard with the dance, or even the pilates. The rest of it I simply make myself do it. It doesn't come naturally for me, so I really have to knuckle under and push myself. I'm another, by the way, that won't let the pain stop me. I made a decision years ago that the pain didn't stop me before I knew why I had it and it sure as hell ain't gonna stop me now that it has a name.

Hugs,

Sounds like you are doing well. You could come to the AS ski party in Utah next year. We go every year around February.

Hello there,

I find stretching really helps. Now I have my 1 year 9 month old son to chase around everywhere... that is the best exercise I get (but it is rewarding)

Tim

I do my best to manage a household with 7 children, including 2 preschoolers. I'm never bored or run out of things to do.

Like you I walk Scooby 4 times a day and look after the house because my wife works . Just do as much as you can without over doing it. And eat plenty of chocolate long cool bars of chocolate creamy and rich and wooooooooo sorry got carried away. probably should be .
Kevin

Kevin- we are on the same exercise program and diet! Maybe we should team up and write a book

Thanks for making me laugh! Anna