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It's Springtime, so let's begin a Walking Program

© Cynthia Webber (Jausten)

When I was first diagnosed with fibromyalgia in 1991, I was told that the treatment was antidepressants and mild aerobic exercise. After five years of living in denial, trying to burn the candle at both ends, I was told by my specialist that I had to slow down or I was going to become worse. As I look at all the information on the Internet about fibromyalgia now, I've come to the conclusion that there are as many different treatments for fibromyalgia as there are people.

There is no cure, but there is one thing that each one of us can do in order to help our symptoms of pain and fatigue, and that is to exercise. That is, if we don't have any other conditions which prevent us from following an exercise program. Consulting with our physicians about beginning any exercise program is very important, and beginning slowly and pacing ourselves is the basic requirement.

All of the researchers and physicians who are actively working towards a cause of fibromyalgia and treating patients with compassion and understanding recommend some type of exercise. The choice of exercise that we do depends upon what we enjoy doing, what we've done in the past, and how we go about doing it. For example, spending thousands of dollars for a treadmill and having it sit collecting dust isn't going to help us if we don't use it. Also, beginning a swimming program that costs money and requires us to drive and arrive at a pool at a certain time isn't going to help us if we don't enjoy getting wet, driving several days a week, and then taking the extra time to shower and dress again.

Springtime is upon us, and it means longer days, more sunshine, and an opportunity to get outside and walk. Walking is one of the easiest activities that each one of us can do, and it's only cost is the price of a good pair of shoes. I recently purchased a Prevention Magazine, and found a very simple walking program for getting started.

During the first week, the duration of the walk is only 10 minutes, it is done three times in that week, the intensity is moderate, which means enough to get your heart pumping but not enough to leave you out of breath, and the speed is whatever is comfortable. The second week is walking four times during the week for 15 minutes each time, and the only change is to walk as if you are in a hurry. The third week is walking five times for 20 minutes at the same speed as the second week, and the fourth week is walking five times for 30 minutes.