I find this curious, too, Leeta, but maybe it's because with other conditions that don't involve muscles, we don't think about physical activity.
I had a similar experience to yours. Hit with PMR symptoms big time in Dec '23. Had been working out since my 20's, now in my 70's, doing both strengthening w/free wgts and cardio (usually step). Stopped all activity due to pain in legs and shoulders. Someone described it as "rigor mortis." I agree. Also developed Baker's cysts.
In about 8 mos, the legs got better. I was thrilled and astounded. Shoulders still an issue but improving greatly. Never took steroids. I don't know what will happen now, but we'll see. I'm just grateful. Started walking for 1/2 hr this summer every other day and strengthening work in between.
I did notice my overall cholesterol number shot up right after I'd ceased exercising for about 6 months.
I owe my life in many ways to working out. It has had disadvantages too, for sure, but the good greatly outweighs the bad.
I want to have an ultrasound done of my shoulders to see how much I can/should be doing. Do have torn rotator cuffs, but worse in dominant shoulder. Last US showed surgery not needed....yet.
Unfortunately, just as I was getting up to speed, I decided to do a step routine for the first time in over a year and fell off.
Broke my wrist, so in a cast now and very upset. Really setting me back again.
I have about 2 more wks to go and it's been really tough. But....onward!
May you stay in full remission for the rest of your long and healthy life!!

@leetaanderson Wow.....your story sounds like mine! Before PMR I was a very active 70 year old competitive cyclist winning gold medals both for state and national championships. Three years ago I had a very serious bike crash that put me into the hospital for 3 weeks but my attitude and physical condition was able to recover from major pelvis surgery, total hip replacement and total knee replacement. Despite the major surgeries I was able to recover and get back to cycling joining the local A rides in my neighborhood,........Then out of nowhere I woke up one morning with PMR! Fortunately I did not listen to my GP doc who said I did not have PMR.....I had some pred. on hand that I refused to take in the past for a ear infection so I tested as per my online research and I went from level 9 pain to 0 within hours.........I knew then I had PMR. Fortunately I was able to get more pred. to hold me over until I saw a Rumy doc who also confirmed I had PMR. I started with 20 mg and quickly tapered to 10 mg and have been tapering down with 1 mg. per every three weeks..........I'm now down to 5 mg with a goal to be off pred. within a total of 6-8 months. This has been quite the journey but with the help of this forum, and with lots of careful research I'm doing quite well, so far. I plan on getting back to the physical level I was at before my crash and I do get a lot of resistance and defiance from non athletic friends on that statement. This is what I learned so far after almost 4 months: It's imperative to adhere to a very strict non inflammatory diet, try to exercise everyday for at least 30 min. at a time such as a walk, stationary diet.....light weight lifting......lots of supplements to counter the pred. side effects, saunas, if possible hyperberic chamber, no or very little if any alcohol, no gluten..........I have broken these rules about once per month :)). I wanted to share my journey to help give some uplifting advise to those just getting started on this journey. Hope this helps someone.