Is exercise recommended for fibromyalgia?
Regular exercise is one of the most important things you can do to manage fibromyalgia even though it may be the last thing you feel like doing. Research shows that people with fibromyalgia who exercise have: • less pain and fewer tender points • higher levels of fitness • greater ability to do daily tasks • reduced stress and depression. Exercise can also help you maintain a healthy body weight, strengthen your bones and improve the health of your heart and blood vessels. It can also improve your sleep and energy levels.But I’m scared of doing more harm than good. Many people with fibromyalgia are anxious about exercising because they are scared about making the pain worse. However, research shows that people with fibromyalgia can safely participate in regular, appropriate exercise without worsening their symptoms. Read the ‘Getting started’ section for tips on how to start exercising safely.What types of exercise could I try? There are many activities that are safe and effective for