Exercise & Chronic Fatigue Syndrome / M.E.

Exercise - Should You? And How Much?

Should you exercise or not? That is the question when you have ME/ Chronic Fatigue Syndrome...

Please note: Post Viral Fatigue Syndrome, Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome are believed to fall under the umbrella term 'ME/CFS'. To make it easier for you to read through this page, Sleepydust will use the term 'ME/CFS' to refer to them collectively. But it's worth bearing in mind that each of these separate terms have overlapping but different definitions.

Exercise & ME/ Chronic Fatigue Syndrome...

Exercise is a tricky subject when it comes to managing ME/ Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. This is because most ME/CFS sufferers respond badly to physical exertion, which tends to worsens symptoms.

So if you have ME/CFS - where do you stand when it comes to exercise?

Well, for one, doctors do not advise 'forced activity' to people who are in the early stages of ME/CFS.

But if you've had ME/CFS for longer, what should you do?

Listen To Your Body...

Some ME/CFS sufferers respond well to gradual exercise and do see an improvement.

On the other hand, there are some ME/CFS sufferers who have had the illness for years, and who still don't respond well to gradual exercise. If this sounds familiar, then it's still important to try moving around every day, even if it's a little.

Listen to your body...

If you're mildly affected, you might find that taking a short walk outside is achievable. If you're more severely affected, it might mean just walking around the house. If your mobility is even more limited, and you spend most of your time on one floor (for example), then it might mean working towards being able to go downstairs to sit in the lounge. If you're bedridden then it might mean doing some very gentle stretching or yoga exercises that you can do in bed. If you can't manage that, you may just want to start with some basic breathing exercises.

Whatever your level of health, there is a level of gentle exercise you can probably do. It shouldn't be anything too strenuous, and it certainly shouldn't feel stressful or distressing. It should just be something you feel able to achieve - just a little activity that lets you use your muscles a little.

The good news is that for those ME/CFS sufferers who reach the point where they are able to do a modest amount of exercise, research shows that most sufferers' symptoms improve.

So if your body responds well to gradual exercise, it's well worth a try. Just remember - don't overdo it, as this may make your symptoms worse. Try to move around every day if you can, even if it's just walking to another room in your house. If you don't feel strong enough to move around, try some gentle stretches or breathing exercises.

Find the correct balance for you between rest and activity (and that includes a level of physical and mental activity that's suitable for you), and try not to overdo it. Just take it easy and build up your exercise slowly, if you can.

A great book which has been written specifically for ME/CFS sufferers is Fiona Agombar's Beat Fatigue With Yoga: A Step-by-Step Guide...

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Graded Exercise Therapy

If you've had ME/CFS for a while, you've probably heard about Graded Exercise Therapy (GET). While some doctors believe it's effective for treating ME/CFS, others say it can be harmful and should be approached with caution.

Read some reviews of Graded Exercise Therapy here...

Have you tried Graded Exercise Therapy? If you've tried Graded Exercise Therapy for your ME/CFS or FMS, then we'd love to hear from you. Whether your experiences have been good, bad, or neutral - your experiences might well help someone else who's considering it...

Have You Tried Graded Exercise Therapy?

Have you tried Graded Exercise Therapy (GET)? What did it involve?

Did it help you? Or was it a waste of time? Did you feel that your Graded Exercise Therapist understood ME/CFS or FMS and what you were going through?

Whether your experiences have been good or bad, we'd love to hear your verdict. Help other sufferers by sharing your own experiences. This is your chance to let rip. Rant. Rave. Tell Sleepydust what you think...

Share your experiences below...

Click below to see reviews from other sufferers...

Graded Exercise Therapy - Vicky's Experience (via St Barts Hospital)  I have been diagnosed as having both M.E. / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia. A few years ago I was referred to St Barts hospital, and took part ...

Exercise And Chronic Fatigue Syndrome - Anne-Maree's Experience  I have been diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. I am sure it started 25 years ago after contracting Glandular Fever and being very busy with 3 children ...

Graded Exercise Therapy Helped My Chronic Fatigue Syndrome  I had Graded Exercise Therapy (GET) for my Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. The treatment sessions lasted for about 9-12 months.

I found Graded Exercise Therapy ...

Graded Exercise Therapy For M.E. - Min's Bad Experiences  I tried Graded Exercise Therapy (GET) several years ago, to help treat my Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (M.E.)

Graded Exercise Therapy made me a lot worse ...

My Review Of Graded Exercise Therapy As An M.E. Sufferer  I have tried Graded Exercise Therapy (GET) for my Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (M.E.). I have also tried Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Here's my personal ...

Graded Exercise Therapy Was My 'Medicine' for ME/ Chronic Fatigue Syndrome  I have had ME/ Chronic Fatigue Syndrome for 4 years. Three years ago I couldn't work or walk for more than 10 minutes at a time. Now, after a combination ...

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