The benefits of exercise for those suffering with fibromyalgia

We have been encouraged for a number of years now to exercise in order to keep weight gain at bay, to reduce stress, and to protect our hearts. Some research even indicates that those individuals who engage in regular cardiovascular activity, as well as weight lifting, improve their memory and overall intelligence. Now, a new study, published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, indicates that exercise may also be beneficial to those suffering with chronic conditions such as fibromyalgia. It appears that exercise is important for everyone at every stage of their lives.

The researchers of the study examined data from forty studies on how anxiety and stress is affected by exercise. The study consisted of three thousand sedentary individuals who suffered from various chronic conditions. Although they were primarily sedentary, they did have the ability to exercise for thirty minutes doing an array of activities. The researchers found that those who exercised had a twenty percent reduction in anxiety symptoms. What is more is that the researchers found that exercise helped to ease this worry despite most types of conditions – including fibromyalgia and depression. The only illness that did not benefit from exercise was multiple sclerosis. The researchers found that even those individuals who were not very anxious naturally became calmer with frequent exercise. A reduction of anxiety may help these individuals to handle the symptoms of their conditions more effectively. In the long run, consistent exercise may even decrease the frequency of symptoms.

Although this study appears promising, if you suffer from fibromyalgia, exercising may seem like the last activity that you want to engage in due to the debilitating pain of the condition. Perhaps you could try taking a twenty minute walk outside or even swimming, which are both very low impact exercises that may help reduce anxiety while not contributing to any pain you feel as a result of fibromyalgia. Additionally, you can also lift light weights, which is a great way to get a workout in, while at the same time building muscle and reducing the stress on joints. Another important factor in being able to exercise is taking any prescribed medications regularly, as they may ease some pain, allowing you to get a requisite amount of exercise. Working out does not need to be strenuous or even take place in a gym. Taking your dog for a walk, planting some new flowers, taking a dance class, and even housework can count toward your exercise quota.