chronic fatigue

[thinsgreat]

Hello-

I recently had another bout of chronic fatigue, something i have battled with over the years. Now that I am finally back at the gym, I had a chance to speak with a couple of trainers that lead several workout classes /week. I find it odd that they both have suffered from this , one of which is still fighting it. I'm wondering if overtraining may be at the root of this. I have had every test imaginable only to hear, "there is nothing wrong, slowdown - everything in moderation. Well, I was not even able to moderate, I had to cut out exercising for over three months. I was going at full speed, training about an hour and a half 5-6 days/week. I was also told my body can't do what it once did (I am 51). I find this a hard pill to swallow. Any thoughts?

 

[lala1]

How long do you go without a week or so off? I find that I need/like a week off about every 8 weeks. I am actually on about week 10 and am tired, headachey, injury prone, etc.

 

[RunninTeach]

I don't have CFS, but I would think 90 minutes of exercise 5-6 days a week might possibly be too taxing on someone who does. I think I would experiment with more days off or alternate with lighter workouts and see how you feel. Good luck! Thought this eHow article might be of interest:

How to Develop a Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Exercise Program

by eHow Health Editor

Introduction

When first diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), many patients may avoid exercise altogether because its effects can be severely debilitating. While extreme bouts of exercise may exacerbate CFS, moderate exercise and various forms of alternative exercise may be highly beneficial in reducing many CFS symptoms.
Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Step One

Listen to your body. You should aim for 20 to 30 minutes of moderate exercise, 3 to 4 times a week. There will, however, be days when you should forgo exercise altogether. Do not allow CFS to become an excuse for a total lack of exercise, but do not push beyond your comfort zone in order to achieve artificial goals.

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Step Two

Develop a stretching program for gentle exercise that mobilizes all muscle groups. Any exercise program should begin with stretches to warm up the muscles. This is particularly true for people who are not exercising every day or who may not have exercised for a while. Stretching can be adapted for patients with even the most severe forms of CFS. Older, sedentary CFS patients can do stretching in bed.

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Step Three

Increase exercise duration very slowly and watch for signs of overexertion, which could lead to a relapse. Start with sessions of as little as 3 or 4 minutes and add to the program by as little as 1 minute or even 30 seconds per week.

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Step Four

Investigate yoga, tai chi or pilates. Some studios and even hospitals offer classes designed with specific maladies in mind. Always advise your instructor or trainer that you have CFS. Do not feel obligated to keep up with a class, and never allow anyone to push you beyond your body's capabilities.

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Step Five

Use a variety of disciplines to develop an individual program. Just as star athletes use cross training to achieve their goals, use different strategies to keep your whole body involved. Design routines that work for days when you feel particularly energetic and routines that stimulate your body on days when your energy level is low.


Overall Tips & Warnings

• Consider a massage, a whirlpool or a steam bath after an exercise session. Remember, like all CFS exercise treatments, these activities should be done in moderation. Use professional massage therapists and advise them of your condition.
• Avoid over extension of any joints. Do not stay in whirlpools or steam baths for extended periods and do not use the highest heat settings. Discontinue any activity at the first sign of pain or unusual fatigue or inertia.
• Don't ever prolong exercise past the first point of fatigue.

Find this article at: http://http://www.ehow.com/how_2048494_develop-cfs-exercise-program.html

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[thinsgreat]

interesting, thank you.