Doctors aren’t sure what causesfibromyalgia. They do know thatabout 90% of people diagnosedare women. If you’re one ofthem, here’s some good news.Research shows that exercisecan reduce flare-ups. Stayingactive also may improve yourability to perform daily activities.Experts offer these tips:
- The best exercise choices arelow-impact aerobic activities.These include walking, biking,and swimming.
- If you haven’t exercised fora while, start with just oneor two workouts a week andbuild up to three or four.Short sessions of 10 to 30minutes are best.
- Talk with your doctor beforeadding any resistance trainingor stretching to your routine.Anything that can strain yourmuscles may cause a flare-up.
Critical Reviews in Physical andRehabilitation Medicine, Vol. 17, No. 1