Fibromyalgia

I also have fibromyalgia, and today is a flare day.  The exercises I normally do to loosen things up and feel better, are not working.  To make matters worse, my skin is hurting, so I can't rub my back and legs, because it hurts to touch my skin.  It feels like a sunburn, but without the actual burn.

Progress

I have been on a pretty steady exercise routine for months.  Sometimes I slack off, but not permanently or for very long.  I am gradually getting stronger and starting to see muscles develop in my arms.  I can feel some in my legs, but can't see them yet.  The best part, my shoulders seem to be getting better.  They were beginning to bother me, but not so much anymore.

I have learned that I don't hurt nearly as much if I am consistent.  I have just resigned myself to the fact, I will have to do this for the rest of my life, if I want to have a life.  I can't afford a gym membership, but have set up a little space for myself to work.  I kind of like it.  I usually start about 3:30 or 4:00 am.  No bright lights, just a few night lights on here and there.  The windows are open, with fans pulling in the cool night air.  It is cool, dark and quiet.

When I first started, it was very painful to get down on the floor, to turn over, my arms used to shake when I tried to hold myself up.  None of that is happening anymore.  My routine consists of floor work with some gentle yoga thrown in.  And an exercise video called, "Chair Aerobics for Everyone" (this one helped me lose 30 pounds).  I have recently added a Youtube video I do at work called, Sit and Be Fit, Workplace Workout, by Maryann Wilson.  Here is a link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HqfGRx8k_zA.  I do this about mid-day and it really helps my day.  

Rules

The other day, the book title, "Seven Habits of Highly Successful People" came to mind.  My mind wandered on to, "I wonder what the habits of naturally slim people are?"  My mind wandered on back to the 90's, when I was slim, fit and physically active.  I remember, I set a few rules for myself and posted them on a bulletin board in my kitchen.  I had forgotten all about them.  Below are some I can remember:

1.  No eating after 6pm.
2.  Drink 8 glasses of water daily.
3.  Nothing fried.
4.  Skin the chicken before cooking.
5.  A serving of a fruit and a vegetable at every meal.
6.  A session of stretching every evening.

That's all I can remember for now.  I will post more if I can.  I didn't think to add exercise to this list, because I was already walking and hiking quite a lot.  Please feel free to add your own.