Illness can make me feel like a lesser woman, even a victim.  My outlook improves significantly when I take small steps to overcome my negative attitudes and lack of energy. Of course, doctors refer to the BMI and tout 4 sessions of vigorous aerobic activity per week.  If you have trouble reaching that goal, start smaller.  Put on some music.  March for 10 minutes in place. 

     I have psoriatic Arthritis.   In the past, some days, my exercise consisted of walking around my shady yard with a garden hose, watering the plants.  With good medicine and rest, I've become a lot more active.  I can swim in the pool, walk around plantations and museums, and even grocery shop after work without weariness.  This was not the case in the past!  My goal now is to work out at the gym 3 days a week, lose 20 more pounds, and gain lung power. I used to walk, very slowly, on the treadmill. Now, I prefer to walk outside for about 20-30 minutes.

      My friend, Cherie, inspires me on this exercise journey.  Now, Cherie has a spine condition in which her spinal column is too narrow, squeezing constantly on the cord and causing much pain.  But Cherie resolved years ago to keep her weight low and her back limber to help her body cope as much as possible. You wouldn't believe the range of motion Cherie achieves, even with her condition.   

    So I cannot let arthritis defeat me. Walk on!  Maybe watch a little Gilad and his wonder women.  Exercise to the music! Moving around is always better than sitting on the couch.

For further reading:

http://www.webmd.com/chronic-fatigue-syndrome/graded-exercise-for-chronic-fatigue-syndrome#