Exercising with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Living with chronic fatigue syndrome is tiring not only for the mind, but for the body as well. High endurance exercises can leave you feeling exhausted for days. I always tell my patients with chronic fatigue to take it easy when trying to keep fit and active— go at YOUR OWN pace and view your workouts as a means to unwind and clear your mind, not as a strenuous sweat session.

Exercise Tips for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Here are a few exercises and tips I recommend for those struggling with chronic fatigue syndrome:

Keep a journal of your daily fitness activity.

Symptoms with chronic fatigue syndrome range from day-to-day. Some days you have close to normal energy levels; other days are hard to even get out of bed. A journal will help you understand these cycles and what fitness level to use on various days.

Slow and steady wins the race—meaning, take your time.

As an adult, our busy lives can tire us out quickly. Add in parenthood and you’re doubly exhausted. For mom fatigue management, it’s important you don’t add on to the stress by worrying about an extreme exercise if you’re already feeling fatigued. For effective exercise, don’t hurry and burn yourself out. If you can only handle a 15-minute walk one day, then so be it. Add a minute more tomorrow.

Try a light yoga or Pilate’s routine for chronic fatigue syndrome.

Stretching with a focus on breath will help manage stress and allow you to be more in touch with your body. For better fatigue management, light but powerful exercises such as yoga and Pilates are the perfect routines to get your activity level up while not stressing out your body.

Water activity is a great way to increase your heart rate without going overboard.

In the summer, head over to the pool on a nice, sunny day for a light and refreshing swim. See if your community has an indoor swimming pool on cooler days so you can still take advantage of that water exercise while not feeling too much fatigue.

Tai Chi is an alternative method from the Western world practiced primarily in China.

Tai Chi is great for those with chronic fatigue syndrome because it is a light form of exercise that not only improves your flexibility but your general state of being.

Remember the most important takeaway here is that every day is different when it comes to strength and energy levels. If you’re practicing mom fatigue management or are an adult suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome, listen to your body and remind yourself to go easy.

Make a goal to reach three days of fitness activity a week, whatever that may be. The goal is to keep your heart, your body, and (most importantly) your mind healthy.

For more information on mom fatigue management and finding your energy, lasting health, and tips for your perfect weight, check out The Super Woman Rx and learn about your life so you can find a plan for a happier and more energetic you.