Do it at least once a day to help increase flexibility,
loosen tight, stiff muscles, and improve range of motion—the combination
of which will help ease everyday movements, like looking over your
shoulder or reaching for a can on the top shelf of your pantry.
Stretching during workouts may also help you to tolerate training
better.
Fibro-friendly tip: Stretch to cool down, not warm
up. The best time to stretch is after some form of light warm-up
exercise, says Iversen; you could hurt yourself trying to stretch cold
muscles. Start by positioning yourself until you feel a slight stretch
in the muscle, then hold the stretch for a full minute for the most
benefit.
3. Strength training
The trick is to use light weights (start with 1 to 3
pounds, says Iversen) and lift slowly and precisely to improve tone and
make muscles stronger—stronger muscles use less effort than weaker
muscles, which may leave them less fatigued. Plus, studies show strength
training can help treat depression, even as well as some medications.
Aim to work out each major area—legs, chest, shoulders, back, arms, and
abs—two to three times per week, with at least a 1-day break in between.
Start with a weight you can lift comfortably for eight reps, then
gradually up it to 10 and 12 reps. When you can lift the weight 12
times, two sessions in a row, you're ready to increase the weight
slightly (and start back down at eight reps.)
Fibro-friendly tip: Shorten the range of motion.
Take a bicep curl, for example: There are two parts to that move—when
you bring your hand up to your shoulder (the concentric phase) and when
you lower it back down to your thigh (eccentric phase). That second part
can be the problem—going down too far can cause discomfort and make
pain worse for people with fibromyalgia, says Iversen. Studies show
shortening that phase can help decrease muscle soreness.
4. Yoga
Practicing the Hatha kind—a more gentle combination of
postures, breathing, and meditation—reduces the physical and
psychological symptoms of chronic pain in women with fibromyalgia,
according to a recent study published in the Journal of Pain Research.
Participants reported significantly less pain; they were also more
accepting of their condition and felt less helpless and more mindful.
Yoga also helps build endurance and energy and improves sleep and
concentration. Tai chi, where you slowly and gracefully perform a series
of movements, has also been shown to help relieve fibro pain and other
symptoms—maybe even better than stretching, according to a recent study
from Tufts Medical Center.
Fibro-friendly tip: Modify moves to reduce stress.
If a particular position hurts, you can tweak it to still get the
benefits with less pain, says Iversen. "With the downward dog, for
example, the pressure on the wrists can be painful for someone with
fibromyalgia, so rest on your forearms instead." And don't worry about
extending your knees fully, she adds—as long as you can get into the
basic position, and are comfortable in that position, that's what
matters. For beginners especially, it's important to find an instructor
who understands your needs—ask your physical therapist or doctor for
recommendations.
5. Everyday activities
That's right—studies show that playing with your kids,
mopping the floors, gardening, and other things you do in daily life
count toward increasing fitness and reducing symptoms.
Fibro-friendly tip: Plan your day to better manage
pain. "Spread out your list of chores throughout the day, doing the
tougher ones in the morning," suggests Iversen. And give yourself a
break: If you want to play with your kids, but you're in pain, get on
the floor with them so you don't have to lean over and run around. Don't
clean your floors on your hands and knees; get a lightweight mop
instead. And when you need a rest, take it.