I’m 23F and have developed quite a few disabilities over the past few years that have made it increasingly hard to incorporate movement or exercise into my routine.

I was diagnosed with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) about two years ago and have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia more recently. I also have what seems to be exercise-induced anaphylaxis, which began when I was maybe 14 or 15 but didn’t realize until I was 17 after going into anaphylaxis from activities like running, swimming, biking, ice-skating, and sex…yes sex. I don’t have a formal diagnosis for this but considering most aerobic exercises induce the anaphylaxis, it seems like the shoe fits. Also, my cardiologist recognizes that I have an elevated heart rate, even at rest (tachycardia), and we’ve also considered POTS.

As a result of the varying conditions I have that do create a range of disabling affects, I have really become depressed not being able to function normally day to day or being able to incorporate movement that doesn’t 1) completely exhaust me or 2) induce anaphylaxis.

I used to love ice-skating and biking for example, but it’s become practically impossible unless I go really slow and don’t exert much effort. I also used to weight-lift but stopped because of the pain my body experiences that isn’t in line with normal body pain that you may get with weightlifting (did it for about 6mo before my body started to collapse on me).

I see movement as a form of mental health, not just physical health. I am considering yoga or Pilates because it seems like one of the few things my body can tolerate. Also, I can walk, but I am in a non-walkable city, so this can only happen if I’m at the park. Hiking is great but does have the potentiality to induce anaphylaxis. I hate swimming because I have a few near-death experiences related to it, but I’ve considered doing something with that because I think I heard once it can increase stamina ? Which I think could really help increase the threshold for which it takes for my body to induce anaphylaxis ? That’s just my hypothesis.

Anyway, this very long post is just to ask the community what kinds of activities they do, have done, or know about that I haven’t thought of to see what might be out there to incorporate a sense of wellness in my life and not feel like my health has its control over me rather than the other way around.

I’m open to trying new things and seeing how it works with my body, so please suggest anything, even if you’re not sure it would be helpful considering my conditions!

TLDR: I have a lot of conditions that make many forms of exercise difficult. What activities have you enjoyed, even with any disabilities? Open to trying anything!

I have been surviving under duress for years in a small studio apartment. I can't leave my apartment. Had some issues that effected my back.

I've been able to stand or sit up to clean for short bursts that leave me fucked up three times as long as I was able to get stuff done. It's like I lost all muscle in my middle to lower back. I was often a janitor before 2020 so I know I should be able to do way more than this.

How do I make sure I don't fuck up my back more than it already is? Am I gaining muscle or making it worse?

It's hard to explain how it feels but it's like my spine is falling apart. I've been eating upwards of 1,320 mg of naproxen for the past couple days. Also have had blood in my snot for going on three days now. It's freaking me out but I haven't been able to leave the apartment for four years so the idea of going to a doctor is out of the question.

I thought maybe someone who has gone through physical therapy for back issues might know how long it took them to go from immobile to strong again.

Thanks for any insight.

I misread the forum rules (read too quickly) and thought the rule was that you can’t ask for medical advice, not that you can’t have a medical condition at all. So I accidentally outed myself and got permanently banned. I spend so much time in disability spaces that I never imagined a forum could have a rule like that.

What is so strange to me is that a huge number of their members must have a medical condition or disability. I got into fitness because of my medical condition. Physical therapy was my gateway drug. Even if you weren’t born with one, it is almost impossible not to develop one with age. You could have a mental health condition or a need vision correction or have diabetes. I guess you can’t be deaf? I assume in many cases it’s “don’t ask don’t tell.”

Anyway, very happy to have come across this subreddit. I can’t help but feel like r/Fitness is either run by 20 year-olds who haven’t gotten out in life or is eugenic AF. (I know that might be far from the case and maybe the mods are lovely.) I get not wanting to moderate posts asking for medical advice but the idea that you can’t post just does not make sense. At the same time, my disability is such a part of my life, I am not sure how I feel about self-censoring.

Really wish Reddit had a discrimination policy.

Just before I turned 50, I went up my street’s steepest hill, and, noticing some difficulty, vowed to improve my ability to do so. Started slowly with exercise and learning even more about food and health. I promised gentleness with myself and to keep going. I’ve done so. Despite very few words of encouragement from my children, friends or family, I kept going. I tracked my progress and spoke of it but didn’t get too hung up on the ebbs.

In fact, one loved one had objections if I layered my exercise on top of idle time waiting for them or on top of talking. Another one said yes, you use that time for that, but what have you accomplished really, when the time is up—you could have done some housework or other tasks…even so far as telling me my attention to diet and exercise is no way to live. I tried not to take it personally and ignored it enough to not let it discourage.

I encouraged myself and took encouragement from other sources and I persevered. I am stronger, only headaches and other issues when I eat crap, cleared brain fog, in control of sleep and waking for most part, and more.

Happy anniversary to me.

My app says I walked 600 steps today, which may be accurate inside my home but I also walked an additional 800m (.5mi) using a rollator. (I only use the rollator outdoors.) These steps aren't counted because there is no motion on my wrist while walking with a rollator.

I'd like to be able to track the walking in my Google Fit or Mi Fitness app, or at least add the distances manually. Any ideas?

i cant supinate my arms

I’m Cankat, 28 years old, and I’m really happy to join you all. Let me briefly introduce myself: I have been diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy, but that hasn’t stopped me from pursuing my passion for sports. I’m a professional arm wrestler, and I continue to improve in this field. One of the sports I’m most curious and excited about is wheelchair rugby.

For me, sports are a way of life, and every new discipline brings a fresh excitement. If any of you are into sports as well, I’d love to hear about it and share experiences. I’m looking forward to getting to know you all and exchanging ideas!

Hi, I'm hoping someone on here might have some experience with this. Among other non-related disabilities that already impact what I'm capable of doing in the gym a coupld years ago I hand a severe accident which tore all my ligaments and tendone in my wrist. Now I don't know if I earned Karmic pointa in a previous life or some Deity has a soft spot for me but they were able to save between 20-30% function. This mean that aside from daily pain I can write a little and hold utensils and some lighter things, but have so little grip strength opening most drinks or jars becomes impossible as the day goes on. I have been LOVING getting back into the gym and hitting the weights to help with the other disabilities and get my strength back (what I can) throughout my body but I've now hit a point where I cannot physically hold the weight in my hand to work the other muscles I'm trying to target. There is a wrap avaible that will hold the bar for me but ita just under $500 without shipping and import fees. Does anyone here have experience with a hand disability and the regular bar grips that moat people use or am I stuck until I can afford the one specifically made for disabilities?

A neighbor of mine was telling me a story about home someone she knows got a pool in their backyard either discounted or free because they got a waiver from the state (not sure about this) due to a pool benefiting their medical disability. Has anyone heard of this before? She said they were in PA. Trying to find out for my mom

Hi there

In December, I started to lose my ability to walk unsupported and I can't walk for an extended time. I potentially have fibromyalgia and Ehlers-Danlos.

I've been stuck in bed most of the time for the last 6 months and I'd like to start rebuilding some strength in my joints but I can't seem to find exercises which aren't too rough for me to do. I can't walk for about 5-10 minutes without taking a break from the pain. I mainly want to support my legs and arms as they've become quite unweildy focusing mainly on my hips and my shoulders.

Does anyone have any exercises that I can do? Or where I can find said exercises?

I have a yoga mat, exercise ball and access to chairs if that matters but I'm quite happy to throw in some money for additional cheap equipment so yeah. Any help would be great.

I'm not sure if it is considered spam or if they are helpful, please let me know what you all think!

Edit: Rules have been added

• no surveys/questionnaires
• no fundraisers

Hi everyone,

First time posting here. I’ve recently been diagnosed with Kienbock’s Disease and am currently at Stage 3B, so it’s fairly advanced.

Before my diagnosis, I invested quite a bit in a home gym setup, including a bench and barbell set, with the personal goal of increasing my bench press. However, due to my condition, I don’t have complete use of my hand, which has made it challenging to continue with my bench press routine.

I’m looking for adaptive devices that could help me perform heavy bench presses despite my limited hand function. I’ve come across hooks, but they seem more suited for deadlifts and pulling exercises.

Does anyone have recommendations for adaptive equipment that could help me safely and effectively continue bench pressing? Any advice or personal experiences would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance!

Edit: Kienbocks disease affects my dominant hand. I still have complete use of my other hand

I had an accident that messed up both of my hands and wrists. It's now more than a year later and I've been left with chronic pain and weakness in both hands and wrists. Some days are better than others but I re-injure easily and have to be extremely careful with what I do. My fitness went down the toilet when I was injured but I'm much better than I was and am trying to get back into regular exercise. I am struggling with solutions for strengthening my upper body. I've seen adaptive lifting straps for folks with hand differences/disabilities but they all seem to brace against the base of the hand, which would pull on the wrist. That just won't work for me. If anyone knows of any tools, exercises, or even just has some creative ideas for how to tackle this barrier, I'd greatly appreciate it. My bandwidth for divising creative solutions has been pretty taxed, just with day to day life, so I'd love some help🌼🌸

Hey all! I’m a disabled personal trainer with Spina Bifida, strength and conditioning certified and adaptive athletics certified.

I’m new to the sub and wanted to know some of your favorite exercises and ways you’ve found to adapt regular exercises

For context I have Spina Bifida,

I cath about 6 times a day but occasionally I still leak between bathroom trips I'd like to avoid medication and surgery is simply out of the question. Google wasn't much help so does anyone know how how I can make my pelvic floor stronger?