At 15 mg Pred. My Pain Tolerable. Will Exercise Cause a Setback?

I hate to say what you should do.

Exercise is very important but keep in mind that Prednisone is a catabolic steroid meaning it breaks down muscle. Glucocorticoids can cause muscle atrophy and weakness. I know what you shouldn't do because it was what I did. I took more Prednisone so I could exercise. The only thing I accomplished was exercise intolerance which was my very first side effect from Prednisone.

My second side effect from prednisone was hypertension with left ventricular hypertrophy and cardiac arrhythmias. That all came to light when I hit the proverbial wall on a 50 mile bicycle ride but I only lasted 25 miles. I had no pain of any kind which was nice.
https://evidence.nihr.ac.uk/alert/low-doses-steroids-increase-cardiovascular-risks-in-inflammatory-diseases/
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Don't become a slug because exercise in moderation is important. I'm currently off Prednisone. My endurance is much improved but a good workout for me is now aquacise.

Thank you for taking the time to share your personal story. It is really appreciated. I will definitely take your advice to heart. (No-mo weights) LOL. Thanks again.

I've been running and lifting weights for almost 50 years. I had PMR for a year before being diagnosed, and GCA for 5 months. I had to stop running and doing certain exercises before I started treatment, but once I started taking 60 mg of prednisone a day for the GCA and PMR, I was able to start jogging again and doing all of the exercises I had done before. I had some trouble when I was tapering down from 20 mg per day down to 10 where I was straining muscles in my legs when I was running, so I stopped for some time. Also during that time I couldn't do pushups, because my chest muscles were too tight. But once I got below 10 I started feeling ok again, and I was able to start jogging again and doing my usual stretching and weight lifting routine.

You can exercise while you're taking prednisone. Just don't do too much where you feel wiped out afterwards, and also be careful about lifting weights. Start at lower intensities and less weight than you did previously, and build back up slowly. And if you have problems like I did where your muscles get tight, take some time off from the exercises where you have problems.

I’d ask your doctor since everyone reacts different . I was diagnosed with TA in May of this year. Started on 40 mg of Prednisone , down to 12.5 .
I did spin class and lifted weights five days a week and I’m still doing it.
If you can keep exercising I’d do it.
My RA doctor and GP and Cardiologist all told me to go for it

I’m 75, male and for 35 years was a runner/cyclist and eventually triathlete. When I had my knee replaced (2012) the running was out and I scaled back to stretching, casual biking and low impact cardio on an eliptical. I still ski in the winter, and I’ve been playing Pickleball a few times a week for 6 years. I was diagnosed with PMR August, 2024. At that time I had a very difficult time doing most things I’d always taken for granted. With the Predisone and my rheumatologist’s approval I’ve resumed almost all of my post knee replacment activities although I’m presently struggling with some morning shoulder and wrist pain at 6.5mg of Predisone. For me, I think the stretching and other continued activities are necessary and helpful! Those activities boost my spirit and mood, and I believe they give me a reason to get out of bed and be optimistic about a future without PMR. Occasionally I overdo some activity and pay a small price for my competitive nature, but it seems that is a small price to pay for some peace of mind. None of these incidents have set me back more than a day or two and again, in my mind, the benefits far outweigh the small set back. So far I have not had to increase the Predisone because of exercising. I hope this helps you decide your path and best of luck to you.

I have found exercise, particularly walking - which helps inflammation, to be very helpful if I balance with rest and do not push too hard. The worst case though is overdoing and then having to take a few days to recover and then find a better challenge level, so I would say you can feel safe trying and adjusting. I also requested referral to physical therapy to have specific exercises to help with PMR issues recommended.

I have finally been able to taper to 2 mg a day, and exercise is pretty crucial to feeling well. I had to work up to it, but I walk or treadmill 2 to 3 miles almost daily and do recommended neck, shoulder, hip, knee and back exercise sessions on the Hinge Health app 5 days a week. I use resistance bands and stretching is incorporated in the Hinge Health sessions. It was hard to lower my expectations of what exercise looks like, but you can build back up over time.

Finally off prednisone for two days, and took a bike ride last night. My usual mileage and effort, but I had an unpleasant , unexpected experience about half way home. Dizzy, feeling like I couldn’t finish my ride, and had to walk my bike up a small hill. I made it home, but I’m very confused as to cause. My heart rate was fine, maybe blood pressure? Has anyone else experienced intolerance to exercise after coming off prednisone?

I had exercise intolerance when I was on Prednisone and more Prednisone didn't help. Prednisone saturated my cortisol receptors so it was the law of diminishing returns.

When I tapered off Prednisone there was still a problem with my cortisol level. Cortisol was not being produced in adequate amounts for the task at hand. Cortisol regulates how energy is stored and utilized particularly in response to stress. Think of a small hill as a type of stress that requires more energy.

Of course. It is to be expected at least for the first two weeks off. Just do as much as you can and don't skip stretching after you exercise. And it is really easy to get dehydrated and have it feel like dizzy. Cheers

No. The opposite is true for me. Light exercise, aqua aerobics & walking is excellent.
Good luck on your journey