Patient Stories Project
Adapting to Move: Staying Active with Fibromyalgia
Written by: Trudy Flynn
My name is Trudy Flynn and I’ve been active all my life. Even when I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia, over 30 years ago, my love for exercise and outdoor activities with my family didn’t waiver; however, my approach to exercise evolved as I learned to navigate the unique challenges fibromyalgia presented. Staying active has been very important to me, but fibromyalgia has required me to be more mindful and adaptive with my physical activities.
Challenges and Changes in My Exercise Routine
Initially, fibromyalgia didn’t alter my exercise routine too drastically and I really did not need to pace. Now the unpredictable nature of the condition makes it harder to maintain consistency. Over time, I’ve encountered new hurdles, especially during the Covid 19 lockdown, when I didn’t exercise as much as before. Now, ramping back up has been a bit of a journey, requiring me to honour my body’s current limits while still challenging myself to move forward. I previously turned to the exercise community for support and motivation, but now, family plays a big role in keeping me on track and motivated.
Fibromyalgia’s flare-ups make it necessary to adjust my activity levels and pacing, (a new concept for me), to avoid setbacks. I’ve had to let go of the idea of a “perfect” exercise routine and embrace flexibility instead, tuning into how I feel each day to determine the best approach to movement.
Motivation to Keep Moving
Physical activity is deeply ingrained in who I am, so continuing to stay active is both a natural choice and a purposeful one. Living with fibromyalgia, I’ve come to appreciate how movement helps me feel more in control of my body and my health. Running, in particular, has been a powerful motivator. I use a run-walk approach, running in short intervals followed by walking, adjusting the lengths based on how I feel each day. This pacing method has allowed me to enjoy running without overexerting myself. Alongside running, I enjoy biking, kayaking, walking, and snowshoeing—each of which offers a unique way to engage with nature and keep moving.
Reflection on My Physical Activity Journey
My relationship with exercise has transformed over the years. In the early days, I viewed activity as something to push through, but now, pacing and self-awareness are essential. I’ve traded intensity for adaptability and learned to appreciate how even small amounts of activity contribute positively to my well-being. I’ve learned that each form of exercise can have a positive impact, even if it doesn’t look like the traditional workouts I used to do.
Practicing Qi Gong has also become an important part of my journey. I was drawn to it as an alternative to yoga, as it combines movement with mindfulness and balance without putting additional strain on my body. The slow, gentle movements of Qi Gong help me focus, manage pain, and reduce tension, making it a perfect complement to my other activities.
Exercise Preferences and Routine
I’ve found that mornings are the best time for me to exercise. If I wait until later in the day, it becomes harder to find the motivation and energy, and sometimes, pain or fatigue can interfere. Exercising in the morning helps set a positive tone for the day and allows me to prioritize my health early on. It’s also an opportunity to enjoy a quiet, mindful start before the busyness of the day begins.
In addition to pacing my running intervals, I have a few other movement “hacks” that help me stay active. I keep equipment, like light weights and an elliptical type machine easily accessible at home. So even on lower-energy days, I can still engage in a short activity without the hassle of going to the gym or doing a full workout. I remind myself to take small movement breaks during the day—a short walk, a stretch, or a few Qi Gong moves—to reduce stiffness and get my muscles moving without overdoing it.
Motivation to Keep Moving
Physical activity is deeply ingrained in who I am, so continuing to stay active is both a natural choice and a purposeful one. Living with fibromyalgia, I’ve come to appreciate how movement helps me feel more in control of my body and my health. Running, in particular, has been a powerful motivator. I use a run-walk approach, running in short intervals followed by walking, adjusting the lengths based on how I feel each day. This pacing method has allowed me to enjoy running without overexerting myself. Alongside running, I enjoy biking, kayaking, walking, and snowshoeing—each of which offers a unique way to engage with nature and keep moving.
Reflection on My Physical Activity Journey
My relationship with exercise has transformed over the years. In the early days, I viewed activity as something to push through, but now, pacing and self-awareness are essential. I’ve traded intensity for adaptability and learned to appreciate how even small amounts of activity contribute positively to my well-being. I’ve learned that each form of exercise can have a positive impact, even if it doesn’t look like the traditional workouts I used to do.
