Neuropathy & Exercise

My wife has a lot of trouble being able to exercise, given her 3 main issues that zap her energy, neuropathy in her feet, migraine headaches and severe tinnitus. And if she were to do a regular workout routine her fibromyalgia kicks in and makes her very stiff (we used to say "like an old person" back in the nineties but now we are old so it's silly to say that). So one thing she does do to keep her body moving is to stand on a vibration machine. It might sound like a silly concept but you'd be surprised how effective it is. I included a photo of it. She says that by just standing on it it forces your body to compensate for its movement thus causing your muscles to firm up and it also improves your circulation. And even if you just sit on it you get a workout! It comes with different positions you can put your body in to work different parts of your body. I an including a snap of it. You can find it on Amazon and perhaps Walmart has it, not sure. It's gotten pricier since we got ours in May '19. On Amazon it is called

Confidence Fitness Slim Full Body Vibration Platform Fitness Machine

I can tell you, we've had exercise bikes and rowing machines, etc. etc. and this thing actually gets used even after a year of owning it, whereas everything else just catches dust. My wife swears by it. Best, Hank

Thanks for the suggestions. I use an elliptical at the Y when I exercise indoors that I really like. The motion feels like it works the range of motion of my hips and knees, and also hardly anyone uses it. I've always liked that machine, but now our Y has over half the machines blocked off for social distancing the bikes are usually always full.

I thought about a trike, and looked at them online, but it isn't really what I want. I think I'd rather work on my balance so that I can try and use what I already have instead of spending more money on something I end up never using. Like the indoor cycling trainer, the weight machine, the indoor bike, etc, etc. I've found that I'm not a fan of exercising at home - too easy to be distracted by things I usually don't care about like "what is the dog barking at?" I may decide to hang up cycling and walk instead. Then I can take the dogs, and we can enjoy outside time together!

I've looked at some neuroplasticity websites and found some things that really spoke to me: meditation, stress reduction, reading, learning new things, and postitive relationships. I've been furloughed since March because of COVID and have really enjoyed the easy pace and the time to cook healthy meals for myself and walk, and I get two hours more sleep a day. I've gone down a pants size as a result. I've taken online courses and am now learning how to use Excel. I have to go back to work in two weeks and I am not looking forward to it. I can already feel my pace changing in anticipation. This may be the straw that breaks the camel's back and gets me into retirement.

I've really tried hard to do the sudoku and computer games, but haven't found a way to enjoy them. I get bored, and go grab a book instead!

I appreciate all the ideas and suggestions - it has been great food for thought and just what I'm looking for! Maybe what I'm really realizing is that the ultimate solution to my problem is to stop working and just enjoy life as it presents itself every day!

@jesfactsmon, that is me! I've had it for a couple of years now, same situation. Had a fantastic meeting with my financial guy today, and he said I am now at a point where I can work as little or as much as I want. With my work all being contract, I have the freedom to work a day here and there, every day, take a month off, whatever so that was wonderful news! I missed water aerobics for the meeting, but well worth it!

To answer your question: How do we get enough exercise: Push through the Pain. I have neuropathy and arthritis, I wake up in so much pain I'm yelling. I hobble to the kitchen and get diet mountain dew, hobble to the bathroom and take all my morning meds, do simple things until pain subsides (sometimes an hour, sometimes it's late afternoon)
Meanwhile, I make myself stretch to limber up, even though it hurts, it helps after awhile. Then I bike to the beach, run about 4 or 5 or 6 miles, bike home. When my gym is open, I like to go there, take a class or do the elliptical machine while I watch the news. I don't know how long I'll be able to keep running and "gymming" ... Peggy

To answer your question: How do we get enough exercise: Push through the Pain. I have neuropathy and arthritis, I wake up in so much pain I'm yelling. I hobble to the kitchen and get diet mountain dew, hobble to the bathroom and take all my morning meds, do simple things until pain subsides (sometimes an hour, sometimes it's late afternoon)
Meanwhile, I make myself stretch to limber up, even though it hurts, it helps after awhile. Then I bike to the beach, run about 4 or 5 or 6 miles, bike home. When my gym is open, I like to go there, take a class or do the elliptical machine while I watch the news. I don't know how long I'll be able to keep running and "gymming" ... Peggy

To answer your question: How do we get enough exercise: Push through the Pain. I have neuropathy and arthritis, I wake up in so much pain I'm yelling. I hobble to the kitchen and get diet mountain dew, hobble to the bathroom and take all my morning meds, do simple things until pain subsides (sometimes an hour, sometimes it's late afternoon)
Meanwhile, I make myself stretch to limber up, even though it hurts, it helps after awhile. Then I bike to the beach, run about 4 or 5 or 6 miles, bike home. When my gym is open, I like to go there, take a class or do the elliptical machine while I watch the news. I don't know how long I'll be able to keep running and "gymming" ... Peggy

@pfbacon More than I want to do, especially running on the beach.