THE QUESTION:

"My doctor says I need to exercise and I'm having a hard time. It's really hard to be sick and then they want you to exercise on top of it. Any suggestions?"

So, there are these people out in cyber world, on the chronic illness bb's, that just piss me off. Yeah, I don't even know them personally, but they irk me really bad. See, I'm all about and for searching out information and asking lots of questions. I think a simple "thank you" is enough, even if you are not or cannot really use the information, and just move on. Well, this little group likes to ask for help/advice, specifically about exercise, but they have an ulterior motive. They don't want to hear that there are ways to exercise even if you have a chronic condition. They are actually looking for answers like: "I can't do exercises either." "I'm always worse off when I exercise, it can't possibly be helping." "I don't want to waste my life in bed being tired from exercising." So, you're thinking why are they looking for these answers rather then the lengthy, information filled suggestions that myself and others take time responding with?

IT'S ALL ABOUT SEEKING APPROVAL.

They want consent, if you might say, from other people that what they are doing (ie: nothing) is okay. They no longer feel lazy because they've been vindicated by these peoples reactions and they think it's acceptable to keep going along the way they are.

Here's how the final response typically goes:

"Yeah, thanks for your comments (poster should have stopped right here, but oh no, here comes the big "I've found my group of equals to make me feel okay for not trying"). I knew it wasn't just me. How can they (means doctors) expect us to do this stuff (exercise) and have a normal life. I just can't see me doing that (I assume she/he means the suggestions given), so I will do what I want (ie: nothing)."

MY CONCLUSION IS THAT PEOPLE CAN BE FREAKING LAZY.

I have chronic illnesses that have beat me down, racked my body, and caused muscle inflammation & wasting. I have and continue to live in pain every second of every day. In the beginning, I couldn't exercise, but I searched for as much information as possible. Exercise was going to become a necessity. Why? Well, in order for my muscles to not atrophy (waste away) any further I could do something. Also, muscle wasting is one of the few things that can actually be reversed! How cool is that?!?

My advice - simplified - start small and very basic. Something simple and small can be a few leg lifts while lying in bed or some simple stretching. I did a series of stretches and lifts in my first months of illness. Then I got wind of aquatic classes through the YMCA. I've done them off and on over the years. Lately, I use the treadmill and a recumbent bike. The workout is NEVER easy, but the ultimate payback is priceless. I FEEL better both mentally and physically.

Don't you think these people would want to feel better too?