AS & Movement/Exercise
Hi, everyone. I'm very interested to hear what kind of movement and exercise you do — if you can still do exercise, of course.
While there are things I can't do, like running (ah, the spinal torture!!!)...I still dance, swim, and walk.
Dancing (I use YouTube dance videos) only works when I'm on a yoga mat so I'm not pounding my spine. Swimming is excellent for me and I always feel GREAT but I don't typically have access to a pool.
Walking is useful too, but honestly, if I aim to walk 10,000 steps per day, it KILLS ME but about 7k. If I'm honest, it hurts most of the time...but it starts to really kill me (my hips and lower back) at 7k.
So - does walking hurt/affect you?
What kind of shoes do you wear for back support?
I've been walking my Terrier for 2 miles first thing every morning, and I have a Pilates Reformer that I use before dinner. Things are slightly better since I've had my right hip replaced, but exercise is painful. The alternative, not doing exercise, has proven to be far more uncomfortable.
Dogs are a wonderful way to keep their humans moving! I'm not sure if you live in cold weather, but as winter approaches, take care! Here's an article with tips for people with AS who need to walk their dogs but don't want to suffer from the harsh cold. Thank you for sharing. All the best, Kathy (Team member) Michigan is a very cold winter state, lots of the white fluffy stuff. 12 degrees this morning. The dog, Cairen Terrier, has a unique double coat and thinks Winter is the only good season. I actually dress on the lighter side so I won't dampen my clothes with sweat. Struggling to find a happy medium for my hands & feet -- apparently, I've acquired Raynaud's Syndrome this year. Not sure I want to keep it... Rheumatologist said he appreciates my humor, but he doesn't think it's an "optional" syndrome. Thank you for the extra info...
age 73 diagnosed at 19 male,still standing,i golf,bike ride,walk,work out 7 days a week at the gym.,alternating between weight machines, stretching,tread mill,work on my yard and garden,go out to dinner and enterainment with my wife and friends,play with my grand kids and swim in my pool in summer,do i have some days where i hurt some yes,but i can hurt siting home or hurt doing something,but i have far more good days than bad.love of my family keeps me positive and still enjoying my life after over 50 years dealing with this.stay positve and never ever give up.
Thanks for sharing. Glad you are still moving, moving, and moving some more! All the best, Kathy (Team member)
The only exercise I can do with Anklyosing Spondylitis is a 25-30 minute Bicycle ride, 3-4 times per week.✅
Thanks for sharing. That's a fantastic exercise program. Keep on biking! All the best, Kathy (Team member)
I do chair exercises with YouTube videos.
Chair exercises are such a great way to stay active! How often do you try to do the chair workouts each week? -Latoya (Team Member) That's great! Is there any particular YouTube channels you recommend? All the best, Kathy (Team member)
