Question:
WHAT TYPE OF IN POOL EXERCISE AND SWIMMING SHOULD I DO?

I HAVE FIBROMYALGIA AND ITS HARD TO EXERCISE. SWIMMING WOULD BE GOOD BUT DON'T KNOW WHAT KIND OF EXERCISE AND STRETCHES IN THE POOL TO DO FOR INNER THIGHS, UDERARM & ETC. THANKS,    — Loretta D. (posted on July 7, 2004)

July 6, 2004
I take water aerobics and almost everything we do, I've seen done in a regular "land" aerobics class. For inner thighs, sit down as far as you can, your legs should be straddled out and toes pointed outward, and walk like a crab. Jumping jacks and cross country sking are great. For under arms, you may want to invest in some water weights (very heavy stryofoam)and do the arm exercises under the water. Also, see if you can find a video that you can watch and learn from. I know there are some websites out there that have water aerobics supplies. They even make shoes, tennis shoes, just for water aerobics. So, depending on how much you want to spend, you can get alot! Good Luck!!
   — Kathy *.

July 6, 2004
Water Aerobics is Great! I started when I was 3 months post op. That was nearly 14 months ago and 14 lost sizes ago. lol Started at size 16 and in 2 1/2 months I was an 8, now a 2. The results are amazing. We work out for an hr. No playing/talking...we work out hard. It's a blast and a great way to make good friends. It's for the young/old. We have a 85 year old sweet lady that comes 6 days a week....Winter included. Give it a try! (((HUGS)))
   — Hazel S.

July 7, 2004
I do aquatic PT theraphy 2-3days/week.walking is good. side stepping. standing againt the wall and lifting infront and to the side are good.by me the whole pool is a tredmill and they can made you walk uphill for those theigh muscles . on land get a kids 12 inch ball and squeze and realese it.you can to this sitting and watching tv.All the Best tracey
   — traceybubbles

July 7, 2004
I am 3 months post op and down 75 lbs. I do water aerobics 5 times a week and am hoping to soon be an instructor at my local gym. My Aunt also has fibromyalgia and 3 yrs ago her Dr told her to do water workouts as often as possible. There are many things you can do, jumping jacks, cannon ball in the water (bring your knees up and reach down for your ankles), leap frog (Bring your knees up but pointed out like a diamond and push your hands down in front of you, cross county ski (just move as though you are skiing cross country), jog in place, use an pool noodle(you can get them at wal mart in the pool supplies) amd stradle it and "ride a bike" as long as you are moving and using your body and the water for resistance. walk in the water dragging your cupped hands behind you. good luck!
   — mary M.

July 7, 2004
The best thing I have found is those aired up rings small children use to float with. These rings go around their waist. Stand at the edge of the pool at a depth that you are comfortable with and hook one of those rings on your foot and pull it under the water. You can do this in all directions and can actually feel it pulling the upper and inner thighs. It take a little practice to be able to hold it on your foot but try the arch area of the foot. I began doing this in my work out and the instructor saw me and tried it and now she has added it to her classes. :-) I do the same thing for the arms I pull it every way I can think of and it really does a great job. The rings are cheap and can be got at what we call a Dollar store or at Walmart. Suggestion: Count the number of times you pull the ring under the water and keep it equal with both legs or arms so you won't build one side of your body more than the other. Don't laugh this has actually happened. LOL
   — Sherry S.