Introduction to fitness in chronic pain/illness

What does fitness mean in someone with chronic pain/illness?

Fitness in the world of chronic pain and illness seems impossible. Just hearing someone suggest it can be offensive and overwhelming. We know exactly what that feels like. Sometimes it can even feel like we are being blamed for our illness/pain. People have no idea how hard it is to be sick and in pain every minute of every day and night. We completely get it. This is why we added this category. There is a lot of information on the internet about fitness, wellness, health, and even how to manage an illness with diet and exercise. But, we haven't seen much out there that truly shows how a CPP (Chronic Pain Patient) can apply any of this to a life filled with sickness and pain. 

Fitness means different things to different people. To some, it can mean working out an hour a day at the gym. To others, it means making tiny changes in daily nutrition. It can even simply mean a change in mindset. 

Claudia and I (Bev) both have Crohn's Disease. We have spent years in and out of the hospital. We want to help you make tiny changes that can make a difference in your life. 

Is it really possible to achieve a fitness goal when stuck in bed or unable to leave the house?

Yes! It really is possible. We are going to give you tips about nutrition, exercises, and lifestyle changes that can all add up to make a difference for you. We know we can't ever cure our illnesses or painful conditions, but what we can do is make little changes that can help us live the best lives we can in the situations we are given.

Things you will hear us say...

  • Small changes can make a big difference
  • Be kind to yourself
  • Listen to your body

Things you won't hear us say...

  • It's your fault you're sick
  • You did this to yourself
  • If you could just (exercise, walk, go to the gym, get up earlier, etc.) you wouldn't be sick anymore