@pkalkstein noted:“While PMR doesn't damage the muscles, both inactivity and prednisone can cause them to atrophy”. I am interested to see this preface to your comment because that is what I was trying to get my Rheumatologist to explain, or reassure me. I asked specifically are there any limitations on physical activities during my Prednisone dosing ( increasing from PCP’s 15mg to her 20 mg on May 22) . The orthopedist was very clear when I tweaked my knee form Zumba - NO twisting, NO jumping , NO stepping ! Because I found a pattern of prolonged morning stiffness of arms /shoulders if I had had my arms overhead 2 days prior, I took it upon myself to keep my arms quiet for the last 5 days.
I notice @avidhiker pointing out how and when her restoration work uses her arms ,shoulder , hands. AND Birding YES ! MY routine has been take walk to nearby pond , which really loosens up my hip- morning stiffness. I only have to raise the binoculars to my face - even with VERY stiff shoulders - I can do it and focus on something else entirely. Waking up so early with PMR is advantageous for seeing more birds ! HA !

@janiceem I also am doing Aqua PT this month (actually for my knee injury in Feb- it coincided with PMR Dx - that was how far out they were scheduling!) The therapist is very keen to know more about PMR and is really helpful and I go to aqua Zumba to do those exercises to some great music. Sadly, one day when my shoulders were SO stiff, I tried to float out of the way of someone and started to sink - I realized what a dire situation it was to have the PMR pain create such a self-limiting situation that I didn’t float properly.