Hello again @DuncanB, great question that I bet is relevant to many of us. Impressed that you kept walking during treatment! During my early days of hydroxyurea and its related fatigue I tried to keep hiking but also found hills trickier, or indeed hiking at all. I did more nosy urban walking though!
Sometimes I’d take public transport to the top of a ridge and hike back down so at least I’d still get out somewhere more remote and hilly without all the strain. Or drive to a more rural place with flattish looped routes to hike.
Yoga is meant to boost energy and strengthen breathing and posture, I love doing yoga in front of the telly on days when I don’t get outdoors. Might you do yours at home @Nichola75?
Since diagnosis I’ve got back into kayaking too which feels great even if my back is tired or achy.
Actually though, have you got a dog? We adopted an active little barky monster last year and he’s kept me most active according to my smart ring!
I have to admit that between being a mum to a toddler, having a husband who works shifts (including overnights), and my having a fulltime job, staying active often slips down my priority list.
But I’ve recently started getting back to the gym (just a couple of times a week) where I really like lifting I also am a HUGE nature nerd, and often take the family out on foraging trips, which helps my head and my body with a ‘twofer’ - being in nature, and doing a lot of walking.
Similarly to @Nichola75 I also love water, but find that I don’t have the time for swimming, though I did do some open water swims a bit last year. Refreshing (!)
I’d love to find a regular ‘gentle yoga’ class to try out.
Before Covid times I was into Pilates and dance classes at my gym.
During Covid lockdown times I did Pilates classes on DVD’s at home.
When restrictions were eased and we were allowed to go out for walks I started walking round and round a local rec. and also continued my Pilates DVD’s
After covid restrictions were eased I have continued walking and as a nosey person it is a great occupation. We are very lucky with parks and a river towpath here. People see me walking all over the place.
I have gone back to my Pilates in person classes, which feels really good as we have a brilliant instructor who does not let us get away with much.
Both occupations really help my emotional and physical health. I used to wear a music Walkman for my walks, but my Christmas present to myself this year were ear buds, which are wonderful. I love my music and I have also got into discussion channels, I love hearing differing opinions.
I am enjoying others ideas on this thread, thank you all.
I often surprise myself by looking in the mirror when I’m heading off for my run. I look pretty on it in my lycra I run three mornings every week, stopped only by snow. Used to even run when it was icy and leap around the frozen puddles, but wouldn’t do that now. I often find it difficult to keep going (heavy legs sometimes) but I do, aware that Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) research has found huge benefits from taking exercise. It also cheers me up, I really feel that I’ve ‘done something’ good for my health and am sure it also helps me sleep better.
As well as that, I go to a dancing class every week, circle dance, which sounds lame but is really lovely; the dances can be slow and meditative but are often quite fast, especially the tangos (my favourites). We use all sorts of music, mostly Eastern European, which is very evocative and beautiful. The teacher has made a wonderful community and I’ve been going a long time. There are ‘socials’ and regular weekend days of dance too. I wouldn’t be without it, although the teacher is now 72 and am not sure how much longer this can all keep going!
Oh and I have started going to a women’s stretch and strength class once a week (thinking about upping it to two), which is incredibly hard. Not sure how I manage it, but it’s very friendly and the teacher is encouraging and funny. My goal is to do this for a year and then try weight training at the gym.
I love swimming but dont love chlorinated pools and cant afford a gym with an open air pool sadly (I think these would be better at dispersing the chemicals). Also, because I also have osteoporosis, I prefer to use my energy on weight bearing exercise these days.
I read it back and had to laugh! I sound so perky but am often not. I do get very tired these days and have to pace myself accordingly. The old world of booking social events on consecutive days is also long gone. But the exercise routines I have are fun (not competitive) and that makes them easier to maintain
I used to be a runner and did triathlons, but those went by the wayside during my treatment. Instead, I took up yoga, and it’s a habit that has stuck with me ever since. These days, yoga and walking the dog are my everyday essentials.
I still love the gym, too. I’m actually on holiday in Prague at the moment, and I’ve spent every day in the gym and the pool—it’s just part of my relaxing routine now. It’s all about finding what works for you and keeps you feeling like you, rather than just a patient.
I also am a HUGE nature nerd, and often take the family out on foraging trips, which helps my head and my body with a ‘twofer’ - being in nature, and doing a lot of walking.
I run three mornings every week, stopped only by snow. Used to even run when it was icy and leap around the frozen puddles, but wouldn’t do that now. I often find it difficult to keep going (heavy legs sometimes) but I do, aware that Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) research has found huge benefits from taking exercise. It also cheers me up, I really feel that I’ve ‘done something’ good for my health and am sure it also helps me sleep better.
