posted
How do you know when it's ok to do cardio exercise?
When I was younger and running competitively (loooong ago) I was told if your heart rate gets too high when you're sick, the infections & bacteria can cause heart damage.
Is this why we're recommended not to do cardio exercise now? Or is it because too much exertion can cause a backslide?
Clearly I can't do too much (certainly no running) anyway but it would be nice to try a little something. Exercise helps with my stress and anxiety.
sixgoofykids
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 11141
posted
Try some resistance training and stretching. I like pilates, but there are many forms you can do.
No cardio until your stamina returns. Adrenal glands get fatigued from fighting illness, and you don't want to fatigue them more. But you do want to exercise. Dr. B considers it essential to getting better according to his guidelines.
-------------------- sixgoofykids.blogspot.com Posts: 13449 | From Ohio | Registered: Feb 2007
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- "if your heart rate gets too high when you're sick, the infections & bacteria can cause heart damage."
Absolutely.
Talk to your LLMD or LL ND about what is safe for you at this point in time.
Aerobics, during infection, can damage the heart, the adrenal system, the nerves and the liver.
Aerobics can also strain an already overwhelmed immune system.
There are SO many other ways to move our bodies if aerobics are out of the picture.
Moving is vital. Call it exercise but I just like to call it moving as exercise is seen to fit into a time and place. We don't need the gym or fancy equipment, we can just move.
It just has to be smart, enjoyable, consistent - and with the support we need for the organs or systems that may be kaput.
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96239 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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randibear
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 11290
posted
I can only walk. Thats it just a slow walk. Everybody passes me power walking but all I can handle is a stroll. I'm out of breath and red in the face after a mile tho
-------------------- do not look back when the only course is forward Posts: 12262 | From texas | Registered: Mar 2007
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philly78
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 31069
posted
I was wondering about exercise in the past and I had found a very helpful link.
Dr. B says to do no aerobic exercise, what about moderate walking. It is good for the spirit?
Answer from Dr. AzRa MaEl:
The point of this message is that aerobic exercise can temporarily deplete the immune system, which can make Lyme disease harder to treat.
This lowered immunity is demonstrated by the well documented fact that marathon runners have increased susceptibility to viruses in the days following races.
Some people with milder cases of Lyme do feel fine after aerobic exercise. Listen to your body and speak to your doctor. If you feel invigorated after aerobic exercise, then it may be fine for you.
If you feel more tired or stressed after aerobic exercise, then it probably is not serving you. There are many other kinds of gifts for the spirit. If aerobic exercise makes you sick, then it may be better to find a different kind of uplifting activity.
Same question....answer from Dr Eric Gordon
Dr. B's advice about avoiding aerobic exercise does not preclude long walks. He is warning against pushing yourself to get the endorphin rush that many athletic people love.
Walking is fine as long as you are not exhausted when you finish, or do not feel more tired the next day.
Limit activity to a level that doesn't wear you out. Do not use your memory of what you used to do to guide you. Be aware of what feels good in your present condition.
A stressed body will not heal from a chronic infection. If your walk is all you can do for that day, you did too much.
Start slowly and incrementally. Increase by 1-3 minutes as you are able and you will regain your health.
Push yourself, and you will stay stuck in the exertion and crash pattern. This inhibits immune function and adrenal recovery.
Slow but regular physical exercise will increase muscle mass and help modulate your inflammatory response.
-------------------- When faced with pain you have two choices....either quit and accept the circumstances, OR make the decision to fight with all the resources you have at your disposal. Posts: 1000 | From PA | Registered: Mar 2011
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posted
Thanks for the input. (I m also FamilyFive) I'll try walking again if my knees cooperate. And maybe some light weights and resistance stretching. I don't think that should kick my heart rate too high or kill my knees. My stamina is practically gone, but I'm used to taking care of my 3 little ones, so I'm pretty active just by way of necessity.
I used to run with a couple of friends regularly and I still miss it. It wasn't just for exercise but it was a good time to bond, vent, and share ideas. We all have young children so it was also our "mommy time" away. Maybe someday, right? Sometimes this gets so lonely!
Posts: 8 | From baltimore, MD | Registered: Jan 2012
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posted
My LLMD said to find out what your target heart rate is for age and go up to that point and not over. Mine started at 120 which basically means a brisk uphill walk is a far as I go.
Posts: 199 | From Let's Go Pens! | Registered: Apr 2010
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