Swim, Exercise and stretch Club: June 2009

[BBS1951]

Welcome to all Swim , exercise and stretch club charter members and new members to the June 2009 thread :)

Summer is here approaching and many of us are dreaming of outdoor swimming this summer or are already in the pool. And lots of us are doing other activities to keep active to control our wellness--stretching, walking, doing housework, gardening, yard work, weight lifting and so forth.

We decided to make this a more inclusive club for people who exercise, stretch and/or swim--- and for those of us who are contemplating doing this and are looking for support and information.



Since 2004 I have been Swimming mile a day which improves wellness, balance, core strength and mental health. I lift free weights to develop bone mass.

Cherie has put together a wonderful exercise and stretch program for those who have acces to water but do not want to, or know how to, or able to swim. You can find it at:

http://www.gloopler.com/msviewsandrelatednews/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=47&Itemid=92

Scroll down to view her pool based stretching routine.

Keep on Moving!

We cannot control our illness, but we CAN control our wellness

[stillstANNding]

BBS-

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[BBS1951]

Hmm. Okay, I'll PM Cherie for it. That happened once before.
How've you been stillstanding?

[stillstANNding]

MRI this year in May had "no interval change." I haven't had the opportunity to go over it with my specialist but I'll take "no change" gladly. I have been plagued with the fatigue that is not affected by sleep or rest. Otherwise, I seem to be OK and am
grateful for that. Thank you for asking.

ANN

[BBS1951]

HI Ann, I did PM Cherie and here is the right link:
http://www.gloopler.com/msviewsandrelatednews/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=47&Itemid=92

She isnt doing so well.

[baabr]

thinking of you Cherie

having problems with my swim routine; seems my knees are aggravated as well as leg pain and difficulty standing without discomfort

makes me sad;; i haven't given up my routine; don't want to until it hits the point where i can't tolerate it; will check in with doc. on more meds:(

but i have been practicing my water ballet which has been a god send to me though not very aerobic; its for my mental health. not sure what i look like but who cares its for me

thanks bbs for keeping this running

Kris

[BBS1951]

What's going on with the knees?

When you are lying on the water like dead mans float, pretend there is a buoy strapped to your chest, -- then, push your chest down against the buoy. This will cause your legs to come to the surface and stay there, as long as you press the buoy. They will float instead of drag behind you. You can then swim with your arms and just let the legs float behind you, no need to kick this way.

If that isnt something you can do, buy one of thsoe cheap buoys that swimmers hold between their legs. It keeps the legs afloat and you dont kick that way. You just use arms. That might help your knee pain to not kick.

Here is a link that shows the buoy
http://www.swimoutlet.com/product_p/13089.htm

I got up at 6:30am today to swim before the lightning fires up later this morning. It was a very nice swim, and its nice to not get radiated by the big Florida Sun (with apologies to Ted Hutchinson and Nick for avoiding the Vitamin D this morning)

[BBS1951]

Today, I removed half of the vinyl pool cover for the summer since its been warm enough to not have to keep rolling it on and off every day. DH couldnt hear me shout for help, so I also marched it up a flight of exterior stairs to drape it over a railing outside the bedroom slider windows to dry off before packing it away.

That definitely was exercise along with the swim. The swimming has so improved my balance, so I'm grateful for it.

[BBS1951]

Here is an article about swimming and how swimmers live longer than runners:

http://www.nspf.org/Documents/HealthBenefits/AARP2009BlairSwimmingResearch.pdf

I like hearing that since I'm a swimmer :)

[baabr]

bbs; interesting idea; i use the flotation device between my legs for part of my work out; the rest is jogging and marching; deep water conditioning

knees neurapathy and or ms; but pain in my legs as well and have trouble standing after swimming; have to take a rest break

i might miss the deep water stuff; but at least it will help with the knee factor

maybe i could get to a mile; that would be so great!

am realizing that i love challenges; especially when it comes to exercise; keeps me motivated

kris

[BBS1951]

Lets aim for your mile kris. Each day, add another 25 yards or so.

Is the pool too warm? Is that why its hard to stand after swimming?

When I first get out, my legs feel like lead weights. But, I think its the contrast between being weightless in the water, and then getting on land and feeling the heavy MS legs.

[baabr]

no in fact the pain is better; what i might have a problem with is that i also have upper body weakness; so we shall see how this works out; i will try today and see what happens; but go slow; slow and steady wins the race, right!

thanks bbs

[gonnamakeit]

My situation is that we bought a house in Arizona that has a pool. I had intended to put in a pool lift and have my husband help me.

He died in March and I now live alone. I am trying to figure out what to do about swimming and getting some exercise using my pool so that I do not have to travel 15 miles to the nearest swim center that has a pool lift.

My gut tells me not to swim alone and I wonder if any of you are in similar situations and what you do about getting help for pool exercise. My pool is only 4' deep all over, so I don't have deep water to contend with.

gmi

[BBS1951]

Oh Gloria,I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your husband. So, very sorry. My heart aches for you.

I have noticed some of the elderly at the public pool where a flotation type of vest when they are in the water. I'm assuming it could keep you afloat if you get in trouble, --and maybe keep a cell phone handy to call 911 or a friend if that happens?

I swim alone, but my MS is not so incapacitating.

I wonder if your NMSS chapter might be able to locate a volunteer for you to help install the lift. In the meantime, I'll ask my friend in the pool industry about if she has some ideas too.

Hi Baabr--I'm glad the pain is improved. SLow and steady is right. Keep working at it. The MS keeps your upper body weak, but if you keep moving, at least the muscles wont atrophy, leading to worse weakness...

[BBS1951]

My situation is that we bought a house in Arizona that has a pool. I had intended to put in a pool lift and have my husband help me.

He died in March and I now live alone. I am trying to figure out what to do about swimming and getting some exercise using my pool so that I do not have to travel 15 miles to the nearest swim center that has a pool lift.

My gut tells me not to swim alone and I wonder if any of you are in similar situations and what you do about getting help for pool exercise. My pool is only 4' deep all over, so I don't have deep water to contend with.

gmi

Ok, I just pm'd you with the guy's name and email address who might be able to help you out with this pool lift problem. Take care, and let me know how it goes.

[Ruby_NikitaK9]

I have not been swimming in a few weeks.... the pool hours and my hours don't work... I havent been able to get in my own pool because its been chilly and rainy here...

PT is going well she said i've improved a great deal... I go to see neuro on the 22ond so i'll let u know what he says :)

I hope to get back to swimming soon...

RubyNikitaK9

[BBS1951]

I hope yur weather warms up soon too Ruby. Let us know about the appt with Neuro.

We lost 2 dear friends in a freak accident a few days ago. I am just getting back to interacting on line again.

[baabr]

thinking of you bbs

Kris

[Cherie]

Sorry to hear about your friends BBS.:(

Did my entire routine plus a bit of extra today for the first time in a little over a week. Fevers had the water feeling too cold and me feeling too weak to do it but I reset the timer on the filter cycle so I can get in right after it's been properly circulated and warmed and today the temp was too perfect to find any fault with.

Also realizing that my almost 10 year old stand by suit from Land's End has lost most of it's control and some of the elastic around the legs and it's probably time to retire it. It has been worn daily in this pool for the past year and every other day the two years before that. I told my husband that I'd pulled another suit out of the drawer today and I looked more like a dolphin than a whale in the water and ...for some reason...that seemed to strike his fancy!;)

[BBS1951]

Cherie, that is so fabulous. Cute story about your suit. I'm so glad you felt well enough to do your routine, And THE ENTIRE routine is amazing that you could do the whole thing :) Welcome back to the pool.

[Cherie]

Thanks! I'l stick with Dolphin since it sounds more like Dauphine (Prince or princess) than Porpoise (like "porker").

[Ruby_NikitaK9]

Hi Cherie welcome back :D

sorry to hear about your friends bbs1 (((((((((((HUGS))))))))))))))

i will let u know how neuro appt goes. I almost went swimming today as I had my suit with me and I called and it was open but decided to wait until weds to go I don't want to be tired for PT tomorrow


bye 4 now :cool:

[BBS1951]

Sounds like a good plan Ruby.

Dauphin/Porker: I love it :)

I just got out of the pool. I am swimming earlier in a.m.'s now becaue the pool is so warm about 83 degrees, and if I wait for the sun to come up, it is 90 degrees outside: too warm to swim in such a warm pool. This way, its still about 78 or 80 out, which to Floridians, is cool-ish.

Thanks for the condolences. They drowned in a flash flood. How awful . The kids saw their parents drown -- there was nothing that could be done-- when I get to the pearly gates, I have a bone or two to pick with our Father, for sure.

[BBS1951]

It was almost a perfect swim until the last lap--major foot cramp in the deep end. That was no fun, and it lasted so long too! Hate that...

[baabr]

what a tragedy bbs; how awful for those children; still thinking of you

have tried to change my routine; just do laps with the flotation device and some jumping jacks etc.; i try to swim every day but only do the exercises every other day; but still pain in my knees and legs; just don't want to cut back; the other days i do my water ballet; which is my life saver! so going to just tolerate the pain for now

funny story but may be offensive to some

went in the pool yesterday after the kids camp; was the only one in there; and noticed something on the bottom of the pool; or rather some things

so of course I put my goggles on; maybe it was dirt; well touched it and wouldn't you know it; poo in the pool

of course double checked it and yep poo; notified the life guard; pool action taken

the kids camp people were like oh gross; me i said hey poo happens:)

yes did take care of my hands etc. so don't worry

of course this is a person who used to go under the counter at the local soda fountain and find gum and pop it in my mouth!!

okay i am done with the "gross" stuff

hugs to all the swimmers

Kris

[BBS1951]

Good story Kris. I've done the same thing, but never has it turned out to be poo, only suspected poo.

I did swim the mile today. And now am ready to leave to go to the funeral. Am a bit nervous about speaking to the crowd, but should be fine.

thanks for the good wishes.

[baabr]

I would feel the same way; but just speak from your heart!

Kris

[BBS1951]

It went very well. There were >600 people there. It was, of course, very sad and moving.

[Cherie]

Back in the pool for about 40-45 minutes every day. I either lost ground in the week of IVs when I couldn't be in or I'm still too fatigued and achy from the meds to do the routine as easily. It takes more out of me and is often an effort of will. But I have control over that at least and that is helpful.

[BBS1951]

I am so proud of you for your hard work Cherie :)

[BBS1951]

Did you see the article by Dr. Paul Donahue (a syndicated doctors column) today? He touted the benefits of swimming-- but we knew that, didnt we :)

Another mile this morning. It was already very hot out at 9am and water was a tad warm too, so it wasnt as refreshing, but still was nice :)

[baabr]

i can imagine how it would be; still thinking of the children; the family and you and your husband

pain and leg fatigue today after water ballet yesterday; i don't know if i should ask my doc. about uping my meds. for the pain anyway so i can continue; its so good; so important to me; the water; swimming

Kris

[Cherie]

Kris,
Do you stretch out before and after the routine? If not, some of the areas that are most sore later might benefit from some stretches in the water.

[BBS1951]

That sounds like a good idea Cherie.

It is so nice to open the thread and see Cherie's picture peeking out. Up to 96 degrees again today. Swim was a tad warm, but I was proud I finished it. If we could just get some thunderstorms, I think it would cool off the pool.

[BBS1951]

The pool was 87 degrees today and it was 93 outside. So, I got out each quarter of a mile and doused myself with cold hose water. Really, we need some Tstorms

[Ruby_NikitaK9]

I made it to the pool today *happy I have the opposite problem you have its been too cold up here to use my own pool and its done nuthin but rain *sigh ... so today I called it wasnt 'normal' pool hours well the ones they gave me for summer schedule but I called just to check an see if it was open and :D it was...


anyways there was quite a few people in it but I did get my favorite lane... I don't know how long its been since i been swimming but it felt good :cool:

I'm hoping to regain some leg strength :)


RubyNikitaK9 (official swim club member :o ) :D

[Cherie]

Did my routine. Felt awful afterwards. I think there may be days when it is the better part of valor and protection of our health when we do not go into the pool because it is the right thing to do.

[BBS1951]

Yes. Right now, your body needs every bit of energy it can get to fight off your infection and flare up Cherie. I remember asking my PCP if I could go swimming when I had a sinus infex and he said, "You can swim, but I'd prefer you skip it and save that energy to fight off this infex". So, I think that can apply to you too.

If you feel energetic, go for it. If you are exhausted from this illness, maybe you need to rest up. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

[BBS1951]

Ruby, that is wonderful that you made it and got your fave lane too! Keep up the good work :)

We did get a nice cold thunderstorm a couple of hours ago, so I'm hoping the pool will be cooler than 87 tomorrow!

[BBS1951]

I seem to be having a conversation with myself lately! But, I know from messages from members that they like this thread because of its positive tone of how we can do something for our wellness, even if not for our illness. So, I'll keep talking to myself until someone else wanders in and tells me that there is no longer any thread interest!

So, what are you guys doing this weekend to move around or stretch?

Luckily, the storms have cooled down the backyard pool to 83, so swimming is once again refreshing.

[gonnamakeit]

I was reading a discussion on a Phoenix, AZ forum that I frequent and one thread dealt with pool temps.

Apparently pools here will stay close to 100 in the summer. Some pool temps are already near 95 and the summer heat has been cool (less than 110) so far. I would like to get some response from the swimmers here as to what temp is too hot for us MS'ers to function in the pool

gmi.

[Cherie]

Pool temp tolerance seems to vary from person to person but it needs to be below body temp in order not to risk raising your core temp. The MS Society (forget which publication) says 82-83 degrees is ideal. Not for me! I chill in that unless the air is very hot and chills increase spasticity.

I keep my pool at 90-92 in the winter when the air is in the 60s in the room and now when the air temp is in the 70s the water temp is 87. If we hit a really hot spell where we have several days of 90 degree days, I lower the temp to 83-85 but never lower than that.

[BBS1951]

When my pool hits 87 (rarely), I find it a bit draining to swim in. Under that, I can swim if its still cool outside (i.e. 75). I love it at 82, I'm okay at 84.

100 sounds way too hot to swim in, even for a healthy person.

When we put the pool in, the guy said, that if the water is above 90 it is hard on the equipment.

Can you build shade over your pool? That can help alot. Our screening cuts down on the heat. But shade like from building a structure or trees should really help.

Also when we used to have a solar heater on the roof of the house, at night, we had the ability to pump the water up through the roof solar heater, and this would actually cool down the pool temp. (whereas during the day, it will heat it up). Because you are pumping it through little pipes and cells which is exposed to lower night time air temp and will cool that water off and then send it back to the pool. That might work very very well in a desert like your area.

[gonnamakeit]

I talked to my pool service guy and he said the only way he knew of cooling it down somewhat is to use an aerator, so I am checking those out. Sure would hate to spend the $$$ for the pool lift and then not be able to use the pool for at least 3 months in the summer.

There had been some discussions on the Phoenix forums about how hot the pools were, but it didn't stick with me until I saw actual temps and I knew they would be a problem for me. My legs turn to jello in a warm bath.

This pool is far away from the house and is just about 5 feet from the block fence between my house and house in back of me, so there really is no way to cover it and block the sun with the home owner association rules here.

Thanks for your responses. It gives me some temps to work with based on your experiences.

gmi

[BBS1951]

gmi, Put a poool thermometer in your pool, Just because their pool is so very hot, does not mean yours will be. The size and depth of the pool has some influence on temp as well.

Lets close this thread and head over to the July one, which I will start momentarily.