Hi there,

I've learned a ton in the last year about hypermobility etc. so just as a patient I thought I'd let you know what's keeping me (somewhat) together!

I've found that exercises that have low impact on your joints (recumbant bike, elliptical and even walking) have been a good way for me to maintain my physical activity and avoid pain and injury. I also do weight training on the machines. I like this instead of free weights because I found that it reduced my injuries. I really don't push it as far as weights go, I increase the weight slowly or I find I sublux my shoulders or hurt my back. And stretching...so important. I had a physio teach me how to do everything properly as I don't have great body awareness. I also use the mirrors a lot at the gym to see what my body is actually doing so I can correct the problem. I do pilates once a week which has been awesome for building core strength. I do some of the exercises at my daily workout to maintain the strength.

I've found that I just have to exercise carefully and really think about what I'm doing. It has taken a long time but I am finally building strength without constantly injuring myself. It was looking so bleak a year ago when I just kept injuring & reinjuring. I've realised that it is a lifelong commitment to a balanced workout program. Seriously, just keep moving in any way you can!