I have had Health nutz tell me that if I work out more than just walking from bed to computer then to bathroom and back to comupter again, that I would start feeling better about myself and improve my self esteem so I would not need meds...but how does that help my thinking...which I need help with more..it doesn't make sence to me...Is there something I am not seeing?

I don't know if I would go as far as saying that exercise should replace meds but exercise is very helpful for AD/HD and many other conditions. Exercise does stimulate our brains. Many Dr's and other ADD Professional reccomend exercise at part a multi-modal treatment plan.

I didn't think so, working out may stimulate brain but it doesn't solve all ad/hd problems

But, there is no one treatment alone that solves all AD/HD problems. I know that when I get into an exercise routine I feel a lot better. Getting into one is easier said than done though...

I have been hearing the "you should exercise" thing from others too. Believe I know I should too. Hopfully I will be able to get into a routine very soon.

Being somebody who exercise for about 10 months out of the year I do think it helps you to think things through when exercising and then a little while afterwards. I do not think it fixes anything. It is a good stress outlet and I focus better when I am doing it.
Jim

If i did not have artherittus in hips I could excersise more but I what i can on a stepping machine and stop when it starts hurting somedays I can handle it somedays I can't.

It helps in all sorts of ways.. but I have a tough time staying motivated.. without over doing it to the point of failure. I'm two days into twenty minute segments to bring my heart rate to about 60-70 percent of max cutting up some wood for the winter firebox..

No doubt the benefits won't show for a while but I'd sure love to make this part of my life style.

Sorry to hear about the pain Melly. I hope you can find a way to create some blood flow without breaking into a bad way with those hips. We do what we can right?
Here is to hope. Ian.

Cheers my good man! Yep we all do what we can, and I can relate to motivation. i think that is my main problem is motivation.

Originally posted by livingwithadd
I don't know if I would go as far as saying that exercise should replace meds but exercise is very helpful for AD/HD and many other conditions. Exercise does stimulate our brains. Many Dr's and other ADD Professional reccomend exercise at part a multi-modal treatment plan.

Dead on.

Add exercise to what you are doing and for many ADHD folks thee is noticeable improvement!

I like mostly to do things to excersise brain because my mind needs the most work like solitar or reading A+ book to learn about comuters more. Brain Exercise does a lot of good.

Mel, if you're still checking into this thread I will say that I read that one of the issues we ADDers have is with blood flow in the brain.

Since exercise speeds up blood flow in the entire body, it speeds blood flow up in the brain as well (I've found that I really can think more clearly after a good workout - now, like you, if I could just figure out a way to do it REGULARLY ...)

I also think that as women we don't have the advantage that the guys have of the extra muscle mass. Wah!

I think My main problem is motivation...but I do move around a lot when I am listening to jamming Music

I feel TON's better when I get a lot of excercise. It really helps with everything especially my energy level, which means more motivation too. You might to force yourself in the beginning.

I have a hard time excercising just for the sake of excercise,
I do better when it is a sport or adventure. Like bicycling, surfing, rollerblading, hiking/naturewalks disc golf is awesome. Look it up on the web it is way more fun than it sounds. And I don't even know how to throw the things.

Just got to find something that works for you, your hip problem throws a curve. Have you ever tried suppliments to help with your arthritus
Lots 0 love!!

What Kind of Supliments would help with that????

Glucosamine 1500 mg aday works great for arthritis and helps to rebuild cartilage. It can take up to 6 weeks for results though.
As for the motivation I still don't have the answer for that one, LOL, I majorly lack motivation!

I was getting no exercise driving truck all the time so for the last three weeks I have been working for a roofing company that put Flat Roofs on stores and apartment buildings

It is pure physical construction labor and I have to admit I feel better both physically band mentally at the end if the day

cept that some days ar 14 hours long so there aint much day left at the end

and the best part is that they are paying me to exercise

I tried the phsyical labor work...It only hurt my legs more:(

I find I write much better / more productively when I have been exercising... and the exercise that gets my brain working the most is power walking to power metal.

One ADD girl told me that unless she exercises, even her meds don't help her. So yeah, exercise is definitely a must.

Thanks guys :D

Danger! Your Mind is playing tricks on you! Your mind does not want certain meds. because they re-direct it. Minds hate being told what to do. Excersing is great therapy; I love it. However, it's therapudical, and unfortunantly not the cure. If exercise were the cure, we wouldn't need medicine. Our doctors would just set us up a gym membership. Hope this helps you out. P.S.- I do agree with ya' on the exercise thing. I'm very, very, pleased with the benefits.

I seem to recall reading about a number of studies that show that exercise improves various types of cognitive function. Certainly that squares with my experience. I find that tha Adderall I take for my ADD has a nice benefit that exercise seems much less tedious, even just pedalling an exercise bike, and that the improved focus means I can read the newspaper while I do it. (Not anything I'm going to keep, tho. The paper gets sweaty.) My intensity is improved and I'm doing almost an hour instead of 20 minutes. I suspect for the truly motivated it might be easy to overdo it, but that's not a problem of mine. It's very important to be consistent, and at first it's very important not to push too hard, or else you get sore. I think that's what happens with most of the people who try it and don't like it. They want to jump right in at full speed, and that hurts.

Love the comments scatter.

I am benefitting from increased focus among other things. I have tended in the past to go too hard and get hurt. I think my meds are helping to keep me from going whole hog and having to quit due to injury... so far anyway.
Cheers! Ian.

I self-medicated through running before I finally got a correct diagnosis for my over-focus ADD. Running 3 miles a day 3-5 days a week pretty much eliminated my major depression, and I definitely noticed that I could think much more cleary. Aerobic excercise increases blood flow in the brain and elevates dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine and endorphins. I still run at least 3 times a week. Even if you don't have a lot of motivation, aerobic exercise is fairly easy to get hooked on because it activates the dopamine reward pathway in the brain. I could never think of giving up running. Here's a pretty good little article on running, which should also apply to other aerobic activities...

http://www.nootropics.com/exercise/index.html

This thread reminded me of something I learned at a workshop. The speaker discussed one of the problems with regular Methylphenidate (Ritalin) - this was before the slow release form was available. Depending upon an individual's metabolism, in a four hour period there was only a two hour window of full benefit from the medication. Studies at that time showed that 30 minutes of aerobic exercise provided the same benefit to an ADDer's brain. Unfortunately, most jobs do not allow for aerobic breaks at regular intervals during the workday. It is no surprise that many ADDers enjoy and do well at physically active jobs.

Draga: Arthritis sucks big time! Take care.

Laura

Si MAJORLY......My Hips were killin me this morning thanks to the damp & cold weather..ack I still hurtin

I find the benefits so strong from aerobic activity that I'm surprised it doesn't register with more people as something that's worth doing.

I think there is a misconception on how demanding the aerobic levels of exercise are. Just for the record they are not demanding!

If you can't carry on a conversation without gasping for breath you are working too hard.

Just an aside.. For those looking to lose weight it's even easier. When working at 60% of your MHR (maximum heart rate) something like 85% of the calories you burn are from fat! I can not break a sweat at 60%.

MHR calculated for men with 20-age=MHR or for women 226-age=MHR.
These are aproximate numbers. A stress test is needed to get accurate results.

aerobic - MHR x .75 = 75% of MHR

60% MHR - MHR x .60 = 60% of MHR


I notice my youngest daughter (11) needing desperately to get out and roar around prior to anything that requires focus. She complains bitterly when she's denied a recess at school because of weather or some other interference. She knows it helps and hates to be without it!

If I said I was thinking about your hips Mel that wouldn't be right would it? :) Take care of the pain Mel. Thinking kindly of you.
Ian.

This thread reminded me of something I learned at a workshop. The speaker discussed one of the problems with regular Methylphenidate (Ritalin) - this was before the slow release form was available. Depending upon an individual's metabolism, in a four hour period there was only a two hour window of full benefit from the medication. Studies at that time showed that 30 minutes of aerobic exercise provided the same benefit to an ADDer's brain. Unfortunately, most jobs do not allow for aerobic breaks at regular intervals during the workday. It is no surprise that many ADDers enjoy and do well at physically active jobs.

Draga: Arthritis sucks big time! Take care.

Laura
Thanks for sharing this bit of info -- it makes something make sense. Back when I was doing a lot better than now -- I used to take regular breaks for exercise (brisk walking, jogging, or biking) no matter what else was going on (of course I always thought of it as a day dreaming break!), but maybe it was the exercise as well that was helping me get refocused and stuff. Probably need to start doing it again -- I'm a stay at home mom, so there's no reason no to give it a conscious try (although the unconscious approach was easier!:rolleyes: ).

Scattered

Draga,

I have bursitis in my hips. I am also an avid runner. Some say it's not a good combination, but I have little trouble with the bursitis when I run several times a week, and it kills me when I don't. I used to have cortisone injections on a regular basis. Haven't needed one in years. I definitely think it's important to start out slow, however.

I have definitely been guilty of overdoing it. Running 5 miles at 2 am is probably not the safest nor sanest thing to do. Boredom.... I don't do that anymore, though. If I absolutely have to get out and release some energy or stress, I run around the backyard!!!!!!! HEY, anyone else up at that time has got to be as loony as I am!!!

Try yoga. It does wonders for arthritis and bursitis.

OOps.....ADD moment...

give up meds just because I exercise? not a chance, girl.

When i was taking the marital arts i'm hoping to start tranning again soon, tima and moeny issues anyhow i was able to stay on task more and pay more attenion to details when i was working or what ever i miss it. Exercise alone that's a tough call, i've where adderall people delovope those habits on there own after so many months yrs being on it i'm sure other drugs work like that as well.

I think the evidence is pretty strong that aeorbic exercise boots dopamine, esp. if done in to sun. My preference is walking with a backpack loaded with books. Running kills my joints. It would be quite intolerable for me if I didn't had my Walkman discplayer pumping out my favorite rock and roll. That helps a lot.
I sometime suspect that the "experts" and trying to "make a necessity of virtue" to turn the phase around. I mean, they give moral advice disguised as medical. (eg. eat green vegetables, fresh fruit, exercise daily, see your dentist twice a year, etc.)

This particular form of power walking I find least inconvenient, least boring, requires little or not equipment besides comforable hiking shoes and a backpack. I hike around a local campus which is scenic and the backback makes me look like a student rushing to class. I use my digital wrist-stopwatch and stop when I hit 30 min. After so many tracks of music I know I'm there.

Vigorous walking for depression and has been recognized as a mood booster for centuries. Dr, Samuel Johnson used to walk from London to Oxford and back just to drive away his severe attacks of"melancholy" back in the 18th century.

Music or books on tape are a big help to reduce the boredom.

Phil

When I first got in the groove with this stuff back last February I used any excuse to qualify. I'd wrestle with the dog for a half hour or split wood, just whatever got me out and active for a half hour.

Eventually I found that with some careful preparation I could run again. I was thrilled to find that it was even possible.

I'm encouraged to hear that Philidor has found some way into this bit of help too. Good on you!
Cheers! Ian.

Check into MSM to help manage your pain. I have fibromyalgia and tend to wake up incredibly stiff. Fibromyalgia has been described as an arthritic condition of the muscles. I also have arthritis in my back. Shark cartilage taken as directed on the bottle has also helped me. You really have to do a lot of research and settle on something that works for you. Otherwise, you could be taking so many supplements you don't have time to do anything else! lol...

I have found, even when I am in severe pain, that if I at least do some static stretches I feel much better. I am not talking yoga poses, which I did work up to, but simple static stretches. The longer you are immobile, the longer those unworked areas go without a good, forceful supply of fresh blood. You will only hurt more. An easy way to begin to ease some of your pain, in order to feel more able to move is to do some simple breathing exercises. This gives not only your brain, but your blood a fresh, clean supply of oxygen. When we are immobile, we tend to take shallow breaths, hence the feeling that we want to stay immobile. We simply don't have enough oxygen to fuel our cells with energy.

Try breathing a deep breath in through your nose and hold it for just a second. Then push it out through your mouth forcefully. This clears the way for new air to move into the area so you are not pulling in the same used supply.

On motivation...hmm...don't have the answer...I do know that if I am feeling stiff and sore, the only thing that helps is moving around. Once I move around a little, I suddenly feel able and want to move around more. It does make me think clearer, as do the breathing exercises. IT COULD NEVER REPLACE MY MEDS...

Good luck to you!

yeah you said it all allergro. I was also told by my dr that exercise increases the serotoin iin the brain, which help to allevate some depression. I also was dx with arthritis in my big toes and my ankles. I had to stop dance classes so the physical therapy would work. Even though it hurts to exercise when you have arthritis the more ya move the less it will hurt, I have been and know how bad it can feel ...hope this helps Hun. auntchris

I try and do half an hour a day on my mini stepper machine, this seems to have a similar level of antidepressive effect to prozac, and also haelps with my self esteem and reduces my general frustration, unfortunately excercising alone doesn't seem to help with my anxiety or concentration.

But as getting an ADD diagnosis in the UK is pretty difficult I have no alternative at the moment.

I have no idea how or why exercise works for me, but it does. I discovered exercise at the age of 17, and have never gone for more than a few days without it (I am now in my early 40's) I was diagnosed with add at the tender age of 41. I have never thought twice about my workouts, I am one of the most unorganized, messy, undiciplined folks around,but somehow exercise gets done. I guess all those years I was self medicating. Cardio quiets my brain and untangles the mess in there. I think for me there is a lot more to it then just releasing stress. If I really analyse it (ouch that hurts on a Sunday) I think that when I exercise (or take my Meds) somehow I am able to turn off the noise and "engage" in a way that non adders take for granted but is so rare and fleeting for me. I could go on a on with all the smug cliches about the benefits of exercise, but if it did not get me to my "happy place" I would be right there on the couch.

I don't think I'd make the same gains in overall impact to my mental health if it weren't for my activity outside. There is something profoundly good about fresh air and ultraviolet exposure.

Exercise is my touch stone for all other efforts to cope.
Ian

I too have found that exercise is a wonder for me. I found that walking last summer in the sunshine I was able to focus about things and I was able to think clearly about some emotional issues and nonemotional issues. I was able to walk quietly alone with my thoughts and before I knew it a mile or two later I was feeling much better and doing this several times a wek really made a differece in my overall well being, not to mention that I was able to drop the weight that I had gained. I felt so much better. Now I sit a year later and 25-30 lbs. heavier looking at my treadmill and knowing that it is the key to my well being, yet I just can't get motivated to do it on a regular basis. There is no doubt in my mind that I need to do it. I truly feel better while doing exercise and afterward I feel totally releaved and light headed just like a drug. I will argue with anyone that it has no effect on ADDers.

Dwagga-mel,

Have you ever thought of doing stuff in the water for some physical activity? It is great for RA and OA (by taking the weight load off of the joints) ... and it burns some good calories. :)

You could do laps, or if you don't swim, do some water aerobics or even some water running/jogging.

*Hugs*

- Ane

OMG Ane I wish I had a pool around here.....I love swimming :D

might try http://www.defendingyourhealth.com

some interesting add advice in there too.




P

ps. Excercise to some is a 4 letter word.

Let's say we need to move around or do 4-5 simple dumbbell weights for 30- 60 minutes a day.

I love http://www.bodyfor life.com

Checkit out.

Let me know what you think.



P

http://www.bodyforlife.com <---oops.





P

OMG Ane I wish I had a pool around here.....I love swimming :D
There *has* to be a YMCA around you or something ... and correct me if I am wrong - but aren't you currently listed as disabled?? If I am wrong - please correct me. If you are listed as disabled I *believe* that you get some assistance with health related stuff. ((they look for the cheapest way to do things)) Many of my patients got their insurance companies to play for a health club membership ... cheaper for them in the long run.


*HUGS*
If you can get to a pool - I will make an exercise program just for you. After all - that *IS* what I do. :D

*smooches*

- Ane

Yeah that reminds me i have to start looking into physical therapy....judges orders

Just PM me about your medical spects and I will give you my professional opinion on your best plan of action ... that is if you would like some help picking a PT place.


*HUGS*
- Ane

Will do thanks :)

Just let me know if there is anything else that I can do for you.

*hugs her Dwagga-mel*

Exercise DEFINITELY helps with my mood, especially if I do step aerobics or jogging, I feel great for HOURS after wards. I think it even helps with my ADD symptoms too but not enough for the life I lead right now.:(

Hi! I am new to this forum and new to ADD--I have been doing Pilates for the last 2 years and love it--it helps with mind/body coordination in a whole new way. I recommend it highly,

I take "reformer" classes rather than working on a mat. Mat classes are more like yoga--

by the way there is a wonderful yoga program called Yoga for the Rest of Us--it is an hour long video tape showing people of ages and fitness levels managing to do the workout--it can be done as one hour or as 3 segments of 20 minutes each over
3 days or throughout the day.
It is available on line through amazon.com.

Oddly, it was after doing PIlates for two years, paiano lessons for almost a year, that I realized I may need assessment for ADD. Somehow, the greater focus and discipline made me realize something else was needed.
Medication has helped free from distracting thoughts and impulses--but it doesn't necessarily help with motivation--I think we need to take ourselves to exercise the same way we would take a child who has ADD to their exercise class--it takes persistent showing up for the class before we can begin to think about it differently.

I think people with ADD hate the boredom of routine exercise--but at the same time it is the routine that helps us focus.
I love pilates and wouldn't think of missing a class--I don't why this has happened after all these years! I am trying to find more things that make me happy like that.
Some friends have taken up flamenco dancing, belly dancing. I would love to learn those too!

I have a friend who says there is only one wrong way to dance" and that is not to do it at all!

montana

Welcome Montana,
I love your dance quote!
I was diagnosed late in life w/Add. Self discipline has always been one of the big battles for me but for some reason I have always been able to stick with exercise. I started at 17 and well, let's just say that was a long ago. My theory is that it is/ was a way of self medicating and simply a strategy that worked for me.
I tore a muscle playing tennis several months ago; what I could do was pretty limited, so I decided to try Yoga. I had always snubbed it in the past, because it was not a “real” workout. (You know like running and kickboxing and lifting weights) The first couple of sessions (1 1/2 hours long mind you) I thought I would lose my mind! I don’t think I could have invented something so opposite to my personality. Partially because I had nothing else I could do, partially out of complete awe of how hard this was for me, I stuck it out, now I love it, for the first time in my life, (when I am in class) I can quiet my mind, I can truly connect as you stated my mind and body (most of the time) in the first 15 minutes of class, if I wander I can pull it back. It is amazing, I am sure most nonadders take this ability to turn off the party in their brain at will for granted, but for me, I can’t even find the words for the peace, grace and power I feel after a class.
Wow, that does not even sound like me!

Since exercise speeds up blood flow in the entire body, it speeds blood flow up in the brain as well (I've found that I really can think more clearly after a good workout - now, like you, if I could just figure out a way to do it REGULARLY ...)

Not really. If it wasn't for good old homeostasis, a marked increase in blood flow to the brain would cause major problems because of the pressure it would exert on it. The increase in cardiac output during exercise is balanced out by the capillaries in the muscles being used and the skin opening up like little taps, to keep the pressure constant. (Wow, I still remember last semester?)

I love exercise. I've just recently got back into it after nursing a knee injury for the last 6 months. It really calms my head down. It's as if I go to the gym with problems and my brain sorts them out without me consciously thinking about them. And being a girly it seems to help with PMT.

Motivation to go can be a problem but an ex flatmate once stated that you never regret going to the gym. Which is quite true, so I just keep saying that to myself.

I hope to get back to netball in September. Best hangover cure I know!! ;)

I have no idea how or why exercise works for me, but it does. I discovered exercise at the age of 17, and have never gone for more than a few days without it (I am now in my early 40's) I was diagnosed with add at the tender age of 41. I have never thought twice about my workouts, I am one of the most unorganized, messy, undiciplined folks around,but somehow exercise gets done. I guess all those years I was self medicating. Cardio quiets my brain and untangles the mess in there. I think for me there is a lot more to it then just releasing stress. If I really analyse it (ouch that hurts on a Sunday) I think that when I exercise (or take my Meds) somehow I am able to turn off the noise and "engage" in a way that non adders take for granted but is so rare and fleeting for me. I could go on a on with all the smug cliches about the benefits of exercise, but if it did not get me to my "happy place" I would be right there on the couch.
This sounds a like me -- exercise gets me to my happy place. I recently started up again (had to, because my doctor took me off my meds because I'm pregnant and I didn't want to be a total space cadet or worse get anxious and depressed). I'm feeling really good. Starting back in high school I started walking, jogging, and biking to give me a chance to day dream. Did it many times a day. My grades went from mediocre to stellar. In college I would pace around the dorms at night so I could go back and focus on my work. I remember a friend back then telling me she didn't have time to exercise. I told her I didn't have time not to because I got so much more done in less time. I didn't know back than that I was dealing with ADD, but exercise was great self medication. I didn't really hit the wall until I had kids and stopped exercising and taking care of myself. Now I realize that's a priority for me if I'm going to be a productive happy person. I think the medication part depends on the person and the situation the person is in. There were times in my life when exercise was enough -- life was stimulating and I had lots of support; other times I'm sure it would not have been able to pull me out of the pit I had dug for myself. Everyone has to find the combination that works best for them, but some kind of exercise is important.

Scattered

Regular exercise keeps my depression away and gives me so much more energy.

Thinking about taking tennis lessons soon.

We have a great new tennis center here with a pro who is graciously teaching his sport. It is so much easier when you make exercise fun.

For all the women here w/ add I highly recommend Curves for excercise. It's a fast workout - only 30 minutes. The workout is continuous - it goes all day long so I am never late for a class. You just show up and start the workout where ever there's an open space. If you have a Curves in your area I recommend checking it out. I feel a lot better going 3 X per week. More energy plus I am losing weight.

Sorry guys - Curves is for women only!

For all the women here w/ add I highly recommend Curves for excercise. It's a fast workout - only 30 minutes. The workout is continuous - it goes all day long so I am never late for a class. You just show up and start the workout where ever there's an opence. If you have a Curves in your area I recommend checking it out. I feel a lot better going 3 X per week. More energy plus I am losing weight.

Sorry guys - Curves is for women only!

I bought a Curves membership for my mom last year, she just started going a few weeks ago (it took a while for her to use up her excuses)
She has been going 2 times a week and is starting to like it; I think the atmosphere is perfect for her.
I was disappointed in the lack of knowledge of the staff, they use a one size fits all workout plan which is a big no no for a weak old lady with all sorts of issues.
They give her a lot of grief because of her "modifications" and try to push her. Fortunately she hangs tough and listens to her body.

[Thinking about taking tennis lessons soon.

We have a great new tennis center here with a pro who is graciously teaching his sport. It is so much easier when you make exercise fun.[/QUOTE]


I had never held a racquet in my life and started lessons last year. You know they don't even have a level that low? The women in my classes were pretty impatient with me; luckily I have a good sense of humor, and did not feel much of a need to get their approval.
My question is: what is everyone’s experience in doing/learning a sport and meds?
Adderall seems to slow down my reflexes, which is good for tennis (holds back my "spaz" reflex and lets me think) but other things I am more confident with (kickboxing, yoga,drills,) I think I do better letting my intuitive (unmedicated) reflexes take over.
Any feedback?

[Thinking about taking tennis lessons soon.

We have a great new tennis center here with a pro who is graciously teaching his sport. It is so much easier when you make exercise fun.[/QUOTE]


I had never held a racquet in my life and started lessons last year. You know they don't even have a level that low? The women in my classes were pretty impatient with me; luckily I have a good sense of humor, and did not feel much of a need to get their approval.
My question is: what is everyone’s experience in doing/learning a sport and meds?
Adderall seems to slow down my reflexes, which is good for tennis (holds back my "spaz" reflex and lets me think) but other things I am more confident with (kickboxing, yoga,drills,) I think I do better letting my intuitive (unmedicated) reflexes take over.
Any feedback?

[Thinking about taking tennis lessons soon.

We have a great new tennis center here with a pro who is graciously teaching his sport. It is so much easier when you make exercise fun.[/QUOTE]


I had never held a racquet in my life and started lessons last year. You know they don't even have a level that low? The women in my classes were pretty impatient with me; luckily I have a good sense of humor, and did not feel much of a need to get their approval.
My question is: what is everyone’s experience in doing/learning a sport and meds?
Adderall seems to slow down my reflexes, which is good for tennis (holds back my "spaz" reflex and lets me think) but other things I am more confident with (kickboxing, yoga,drills,) I think I do better letting my intuitive (unmedicated) reflexes take over.
Any feedback?