[Irish35]

I was a Housebound Agoraphobic for 7 Years until May 30,2008.Whilst Housebound,I didn't/couldn't get adequate physical activity or movement.I couldn't step off my front/back Porch,walk to Curb to get Mail or take out Trash.If I were a good guesser,I would guess I gained 30-60 pounds (perhaps more) when I was unable to leave my Home.I keep busy/active and also Walk the Track when it's not so hot and humid as it typically is this time of Year..I am in need of advice/suggestions for Exercise (s) for an individual with multiple Spinal ailments.Exercise that will not overtax my Spine,yet will give me an all over Body Work out especially for my troublesome areas (primarily Stomach,which is flabby and sags).In 1997,I had Osteomylitis in my Lower-Lumbar,which left my Back in an awful mess.Though I do not experience pain as I did with Osteomylitis,my Back tires very easily,notice a difference in the height of my Spine,have catches,stiffness,am not properly aligned when laying in Bed and on occasion my Back "goes out".Early April,I had my first CT Scan since 1997.The findings/impressions were not favorable.I have complete obliteration of the Disk space at L1-2 which is due to advanced Degenerative changes,previous Infection or post Surgical.I also have Multilevel Degenerative Disc Disease and Spondylosis and significant Stenosis of the Neural Foramina at L4-5 bilaterally and at L-5-S1 on the right.At my recent Doctors Appointment late June,my Physican mentioned Physical Therapy,which he believes will be beneficial to strengthen my Spine.Would anyone have suggestions?They would be appreciated..

[genie86333]

Best thing for something like that is swimming. It doesn't stress the body/joints, yet still gives a good workout.

[Irish35]

Genie,
I can't swim..

[foxl]

recumbent exercise bike?

But you would have to shop around to find the one most innocuous to your back. Backs are very personalized.

[fgummett]

Walking in the shallow end of the pool -- or the kiddie pool -- can be great exercise while reducing strain on joints etc.. due to both the added buoyancy and the resistance of the water. You can walk in water right up to your neck without knowing how to swim ;-)

Just plain walking is -- I am convinced -- the very best exercise for humans. Invest in a good pair of comfortable yet supportive shoes... get them from somewhere that knows how to use the foot-measuring device

[Irish35]

Foxl,
Wouldn't mind a Recumbent Bike,but right now I can't afford to buy or pay membership to a Gym or Fitness Center that have them..my Back is GONE!Deteriorated..

[Irish35]

Fgummett,
Walking in the shallow end would be OK..I do more Walking than I credit..need a Pedometer (sp)..I was Walking the Track,but right now it is to hot and humid..besides,I only manage 1 lap around,which disgusts me,because I wanna Walk at least 1/2 Mile (4 Laps)..no way possible,my Back would give out and I would fall on me Face!

[GeishaGirl]

I can't think of any, but I want to congratulate you on overcoming your agoraphobia! My best friend for a long time is severely agoraphobic, and can only leave the apartment by prepping herself for a full day, and she is constantly medicating herself while out. It must have taken a lot of effort to progress as far as you have. Go you!

[Irish35]

GeishaGirl,
Thank you!Wish I could take your Best Friend by the Hand and lead her to freedom..it is W.O.N.D.E.R.F.U.L.

FEAR= False evidence appearing real

[fgummett]

You could walk in the mall -- nicely air-conditioned -- and get in some window-shopping at the same time. I don't believe that exercise need be a chore... just activity that we build into each day. If you have a friend along to chat with, you will pass the time without even realising that you are "exercising".

I also maintain that activity becomes easier -- more natural -- once you switch your body from "fat-storage mode" to "fat-burning mode" by reducing/eliminating refined/concentrated carbohydrates and thereby reducing your insulin levels.

[Irish35]

As if I'm gonna drive 45 Minutes 3-5 Day's per Week and Walk the Mall-NOT!I have reduced/eliminated refined and concentrated Carbs..

[foxl]

Walking could well be the way to go, though ... can you break it into ten minutes at a time successfully. It does add up!

[Irish35]

It takes 8 minutes to Walk 1 lap..looking forward to cooler Temps coz my Tush is gonna be Walking!