Any tips for training a client with fibromyalgia?
Hi Ben,
I would obtain medical clearance for this client even though I am pretty sure that you will get a sign off without restrictions.
I would not do anything different with her in many ways than you would with other clients. Do assessments as you would with anybody and start there. Clients with FM are all different from one another. A common thread seems to be greater fatigue and the need to take it slower. I have seen some people with FM using the hardest foam roller you can find and others who thought that the soft one was too much.
I see that you are certified with NASM including CES, Applying the OPT model with its entry into the stabilization phase will be just the way to go. After a few weeks, you will have a better feel for the situation. She may be a client who works on stabilization and strength endurance and will be doing well there.
Encourage open communication with her so that she feels comfortable saying when things are too much without feeling like a ‘whiner’.
Good luck.
Karin Singleton
www.meltnc.com
Hi Ben,
I’ve been training a woman with fibromyalgia for about 6 years now. She was extremely weak when we first started but has made great progress over the years. I really don’t do anything different with her because of the condition – we simply work around her flare-ups when we have to. And with the training, they seem to occur less & less. It sounds like you have a very special client on your hands. Just do your thing – listen to her feedback & everything should be fine. Good luck Ben!
Paul Thomas
www.homeworkoutguy.com
Ben,
my client of nine years has a combination of Fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue. When we started training together she was very weak and often in pain, in particular her neck.
For several years we did Pilates keeping in mind that she is often tired, had no energy, as well as being dizzy. Slow and controlled movements and a frequent break were needed.
We are now strength training, keeping the Pilates principles of slow controlled movements, breathing, and centering in mind.
Standing for extended periods of time is still an issue but we work around it.
Listen to her when she tells you about pain or discomfort, watch her closely, in particular the trigger point areas, and make sure she hydrates frequently with electrolytes during the session.
Good luck,
Heike Yates
www.heylifetraining.com
