Fit while living with an Autoimmune Illness

Life at times can be hard, especially if you live with an Autoimmune Illness. There are times that everything hurts and we are unable to move out of the comfort of our bed and/or home. I am here to share with you that a Low Impact workout is ideal and can help you maintain your health. 

The world would have you thinking that you have to be in a gym for 2-3 hours, and you have to do Cardio the whole time your there. I'm here to tell you that you don't need to do that, but get the blood flowing and move at your pace. The ultimate goal is to be more active and maintain or increase your fitness level. The gym can be intimidating, as you have many individuals who are experienced in working out "fighting" for certain pieces of equipment; you also have various classes that you are unsure if they match your fitness level. As novice gym goers there is also the various pieces of equipment that you're not quite sure how to utilize, and is there someone that can show you how to use the equipment PROPERLY! The answer is YES! There should be floor staff available to assist you.

Now also understand that if there is a genuine fear or level of being uncomfortable in a gym setting...bring the workout to you. The reason is due to your illness, it may keep you away from the gym; but let's bring you a workout that can be done at your pace and on YOUR time. If you have workout equipment (dumbbells, bands, kettlebells, etc.) a workout can be created around what you have in home. The other focus  is using your bodyweight to ensure you are burning calories.

As a Certified Personal Trainer, I do an initial consult and have potential clients fill out paperwork to ensure I know and understand what limitations (Lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, MS, etc.) They must be cleared by a medical professional before continuing any workout plan with JaiFit. Once I receive and go over the forms we create a plan that works with their schedule. We adhere to the set schedule and been have now begun their journey to a healthier, happier and whole lifestyle.

I work with various individuals from all walks of life: Youth through Senior Adults. Each age group is given a workout based on ultimate goals and what they want to accomplish. Never let your illness hold you back from achieving goals, but tweak the workout to be most beneficial to you!

Core and More!!!

Core Strength is key to any fitness regimen, as our core is what stabilizes us and allows us to sit and stand. Oftentimes, the core is neglected!

When you begin your fitness journey, most people focus on Cardio and Weight lifting, not understanding that the most integral part to their workout program is Core Work. How can we improve our balance and stability? When you work the core you are inevitably training the muscles in your hips, abdomen, lower back and pelvis. Working those areas leads to improved balance and stability, whether on a playing field or in your daily activities.

Core exercises involve the use of your abdominal and back muscles. You are probably asking or even wondering what types of exercises are involved in strengthening your core, a few basics are planks, situps and fitness ball exercises. Do you understand that our Core is what allows us to sit, stand and walk? If your Core is not strong there is the likelihood that you will have back problems, along with a plethora of other debilitating pain, and poor posture.

Let's look at a simple exercise that can be done with no weights and does not require a gym membership to do so. A bridge is simple...Lie on your back with your knees bent, making sure to keep your back in a neutral position (meaning not arched or pressed flat into the floor). In this position you also want to avoid tilting the hips, and focus on tightening your abdominal muscles. Once you have reached your neutral position, you then will raise your hips off the floor until your hips are aligned with your knees and shoulders. You will hold this position for as long as you can WITHOUT breaking form.

Athletes need to understand that having a strong core is very important, you can't just focus on your sport specific workout, but adding a core regimen to your daily routine. Weak core muscles lead to more fatigue, injuries and less endurance. Combining aerobic exercise and muscular fitness are the main components of any if not most fitness programs. Don't shy away from Core work, but add it to your program and you will see an improvement in your daily life.