anyone exercise with wrist weights?

First let me say I've been reading this week and thinking of everyone, but
it's been a bad week for my hands and there've been a lot of other demands on
them, so typing has been a rare thing.

Still, I keep trying to get in some exercise, especially some weight training
at home. The nearest gym is 25 miles away, so I don't have an option of
weight training on the machines that are so much kinder to hands tan even
small dumbbells are. I have a variety of exercises I do, wih slow reps, with
5 lb. dumbbells. But there is just no way to hold the blasted things without
hurting my hands - and killing my flaring thumbs. I've found a couple of
wrist/ankle strap on weigts that can be up to 5 lbs. each and am thinking
about trying them, but they have mixed reviews online. Has anyone worked
with such? Have you found them good for working out a variety of muscle
groups, covering arms, chest, back? it appears it will be many months at
least before i have ready access to a gym and I've got to do something now to
retain some of my past muscle strength.


--
Nann
remove the Gator cheer to email me
Change everything. Love & forgive.

I don't have any experience with the weights that you mentioned. I
wondered though why you are using 5 pound weights. I was told it was
best to start low with more repetitions. I have 2 and 3 pound weights.
These are less stressful on the joints.
Rose @}>->--
Being educated means that rather than fearing the unknown, one seeks to understand it. RB

Please remove "Ima" to reply.

Wrist and/or ankle strap weights sound like a good investment.
Harv

"Nann Bell" <hanbellGOGATORS@earthlink.net> wrote in message
news:0001HW.C4018A690228B92BF0284550@news.east.ear thlink.net...
> First let me say I've been reading this week and thinking of everyone, but
> it's been a bad week for my hands and there've been a lot of other demands
> on
> them, so typing has been a rare thing.
>
> Still, I keep trying to get in some exercise, especially some weight
> training
> at home. The nearest gym is 25 miles away, so I don't have an option of
> weight training on the machines that are so much kinder to hands tan even
> small dumbbells are. I have a variety of exercises I do, wih slow reps,
> with
> 5 lb. dumbbells. But there is just no way to hold the blasted things
> without
> hurting my hands - and killing my flaring thumbs. I've found a couple of
> wrist/ankle strap on weigts that can be up to 5 lbs. each and am thinking
> about trying them, but they have mixed reviews online. Has anyone worked
> with such? Have you found them good for working out a variety of muscle
> groups, covering arms, chest, back? it appears it will be many months at
> least before i have ready access to a gym and I've got to do something now
> to
> retain some of my past muscle strength.
>
>
> --
> Nann
> remove the Gator cheer to email me
> Change everything. Love & forgive.
>
>

On Sat, 15 Mar 2008 14:15:05 -0500, Nann Bell
<hanbellGOGATORS@earthlink.net> wrote:

>First let me say I've been reading this week and thinking of everyone, but
>it's been a bad week for my hands and there've been a lot of other demands on
>them, so typing has been a rare thing.
>
>Still, I keep trying to get in some exercise, especially some weight training
>at home. The nearest gym is 25 miles away, so I don't have an option of
>weight training on the machines that are so much kinder to hands tan even
>small dumbbells are. I have a variety of exercises I do, wih slow reps, with
>5 lb. dumbbells. But there is just no way to hold the blasted things without
>hurting my hands - and killing my flaring thumbs. I've found a couple of
>wrist/ankle strap on weigts that can be up to 5 lbs. each and am thinking
>about trying them, but they have mixed reviews online. Has anyone worked
>with such? Have you found them good for working out a variety of muscle
>groups, covering arms, chest, back? it appears it will be many months at
>least before i have ready access to a gym and I've got to do something now to
>retain some of my past muscle strength.

I used to use wrist weights (1-2 lbs) that I didn't have to strap on -
they were in a circle of stretchy stuff covered with a very soft
material. Just pull them over my hands and I was good to go.

I now use ankle weights for leg exercises. They work very well. The
ones I have are adjustable weight - same sacks of weight which fit
into a cloth strip that I strap around each ankle. That way I can
start low weight and increase it in small increments and don't have to
keep buying new weights.
--
BettyB -- www.flamingo-code.com
"I have noticed even people who claim everything is
predestined, and that we can do nothing to change it,
look before they cross the road." - Stephen Hawking

On Sat, 15 Mar 2008 16:14:25 -0500, RoseB wrote
(in message <pueot3lh51e34lkq4nlshvsu7cmqfqbdoj@4ax.com>):

> I don't have any experience with the weights that you mentioned. I
> wondered though why you are using 5 pound weights. I was told it was
> best to start low with more repetitions. I have 2 and 3 pound weights.
> These are less stressful on the joints.
> Rose @}>->--
> Being educated means that rather than fearing the unknown, one seeks to
> understand it. RB
>
> Please remove "Ima" to reply.

i've done a lot of strength training in the not-so dstant past when i had
access to machines. 2 and 3 pound weights are nothing, even with doing slow
reps. Even at 5 pounds I have to take 10 seconds per rep to get a decent
level of work.

--
Nann
remove the Gator cheer to email me
Change everything. Love & forgive.

Nann Bell wrote:
> On Sat, 15 Mar 2008 16:14:25 -0500, RoseB wrote
> (in message <pueot3lh51e34lkq4nlshvsu7cmqfqbdoj@4ax.com>):
>
>> I don't have any experience with the weights that you mentioned. I
>> wondered though why you are using 5 pound weights. I was told it was
>> best to start low with more repetitions. I have 2 and 3 pound weights.
>> These are less stressful on the joints.
>> Rose @}>->--
>> Being educated means that rather than fearing the unknown, one seeks to
>> understand it. RB
>>
>> Please remove "Ima" to reply.
>
> i've done a lot of strength training in the not-so dstant past when i had
> access to machines. 2 and 3 pound weights are nothing, even with doing slow
> reps. Even at 5 pounds I have to take 10 seconds per rep to get a decent
> level of work.
>

I was going to avoid saying this same thing, but yeah, unless you're
taxing yourself to some degree all you're doing is moving around sore
joints and not building strength across them to support them. You must
use resistance that is great enough to produce an adaptive response:
increase in the strength of the muscles supporting the joints. As one
adapts, the weight must be slowly and incrementally increased over time.
Doing endless repetitions with tiny weights will not increase strength
or bone density - the body has no reason to adapt because the stimulus
is FAR too low to trigger an adaptive response.

Ari

--
spammage trappage: remove the underscores to reply
Many people around the world are waiting for a marrow transplant. Please
volunteer to be a marrow donor and literally save someone's life:
http://www.abmdr.org.au/
http://www.marrow.org/

knowing what your wrist injuries were like, i can understand your dilemma.
my physical therapists both said that more than 3 pounds of freeweight with
these kinds of wrist injuries and surgeries would always be a painful
problem and not to go over 3 pounds. before you go buying the velcro
weights, put one one your injured wrist, as you would normally use it and
walk around in the store with it on for a little while. it might not work
for you. i know i can't do that for very long without my wrist letting me
know.

i'm remembering and thinking--get away from using free weights over that 3
pound weight level, nann, because of your past injuries. and try using an
unweighted broomstick handle. you can create the resistance using your own
muscles (with opposing hands on the stick) with just a broomstick handle
(back in the 1980s, when i broke my shoulder, i had a therapist show me how
to do this). think isometric resistance. you'll have more control that
way, over what hurts and doesn't hurt to do and will be able to isolate and
strengthen. i wish i could show you what i mean. best idea i can come up
with is think about the dynamics of the machines you use and relate those
dynamics to the stick. and you can modify the stick to accommodate your
hands and wrist--like with loops, straps or grips or whatever your
creativity can come up with to help you accomplish your goals.

kate



"Nann Bell" <hanbellGOGATORS@earthlink.net> wrote in message
news:0001HW.C4018A690228B92BF0284550@news.east.ear thlink.net...
First let me say I've been reading this week and thinking of everyone, but
it's been a bad week for my hands and there've been a lot of other demands
on
them, so typing has been a rare thing.

Still, I keep trying to get in some exercise, especially some weight
training
at home. The nearest gym is 25 miles away, so I don't have an option of
weight training on the machines that are so much kinder to hands tan even
small dumbbells are. I have a variety of exercises I do, wih slow reps,
with
5 lb. dumbbells. But there is just no way to hold the blasted things
without
hurting my hands - and killing my flaring thumbs. I've found a couple of
wrist/ankle strap on weigts that can be up to 5 lbs. each and am thinking
about trying them, but they have mixed reviews online. Has anyone worked
with such? Have you found them good for working out a variety of muscle
groups, covering arms, chest, back? it appears it will be many months at
least before i have ready access to a gym and I've got to do something now
to
retain some of my past muscle strength.


--
Nann
remove the Gator cheer to email me
Change everything. Love & forgive.

I'll piggy back on Kate's post. We need to remember that we here are
all at varying levels of ability and disability (if you choose to use
that word). It was my rheumy and physiotherapists who suggested that I
not go beyond 2-3 lbs. I do have 5 lb weights as well as 8 lb weights
but cannot use them. I may also have been making an assumption about
Nann's ability to lift and grasp.

Kate mentioned resistance exercises, and I agree that those are good.
Using the resistance band is good for working all muscle groups and
may be less stressful on the joints.I use the Leslie Sansone fitness
DVDs, so have her belt with attached therabands. I have also purchased
from Walmart stretchy bands with three different levels of thickness
and resistance. These are also very good.
Rose @}>->--
Being educated means that rather than fearing the unknown, one seeks to understand it. RB

Please remove "Ima" to reply.

On Sun, 16 Mar 2008 12:40:48 -0500, d'huit wrote
(in message <nu6dnUYxVZIpxkDanZ2dnUVZ_rCtnZ2d@comcast.com>):

> knowing what your wrist injuries were like, i can understand your dilemma.
> my physical therapists both said that more than 3 pounds of freeweight with
> these kinds of wrist injuries and surgeries would always be a painful
> problem and not to go over 3 pounds.

ah, gee, it's only one wrist.................. actually, while mine was a
fairly brutal injury, it was only the one injury and thus far, coming up on
14 years, the only restrictions are self-decided ones due to pain and
numbness. Both have worsened since I've been off DMARDs though. who knows
where we'll go with that.

before you go buying the velcro
> weights, put one one your injured wrist, as you would normally use it and
> walk around in the store with it on for a little while. it might not work
> for you. i know i can't do that for very long without my wrist letting me
> know.

That is an excellent idea. I'll see if Dunham's will let me do that when we
go into town this week. I can't tolerate bracelets on my right wrist these
days, but I can tolerate my brace - most days. stuff that slides around
drives the nerve nuts, but stuff that stays in place is o.
>
> i'm remembering and thinking--get away from using free weights over that 3
> pound weight level, nann, because of your past injuries. and try using an
> unweighted broomstick handle. you can create the resistance using your own
> muscles (with opposing hands on the stick) with just a broomstick handle

If nothing else works, I may get a referral to PT to work out the best
solution! It gets complicated between sore joint, old injuries and
hypermobility. Right now, my neoprene padded dumbbells are easier o grip
than a broomstick is. One day we'll have to do something DMARD-wise again,
but i do't know if they dare try any biologics again. Between the PA and
ypermobility, I really need the joint protection of stronger muscles.
Besides, despite being a real endomorph, I LIKE to exercise and be strong.
> (back in the 1980s, when i broke my shoulder, i had a therapist show me how
> to do this). think isometric resistance. you'll have more control that
> way, over what hurts and doesn't hurt to do and will be able to isolate and
> strengthen.
That is why I'm sticking with 5 lb. weights and slowing down my reps even
more if it ges easy. I've been starting and stopping so much lately, that
hasn't been an issue. I have the strength to do these exercises with heavier
weights, but by sticking at 5 lbs. I can control the weight and my body
placement satisfactorily.
--
Nann
remove the Gator cheer to email me
Change everything. Love & forgive.

yeah, my issue is gripping. Being off DMARDs for now, multiple hand joints
are tender and don't like to grip and don't appreciate any sustained pressure
against them. I still have te flexibility to grip most items for at least a
while. But when you add in all the daily things that wear on my hands, it
can really add up. I've thought about resistance bands, but actually think
those would be worse for my issues.The irony is that I'm still fairly strong
- have been since I started working to rehab my broken arm back in 2nd grade
(age 7-8). I really, really miss having a gym nearby! I need to win one of
those huge lotteries so I can start m own.

--
Nann
remove the Gator cheer to email me
Change everything. Love & forgive.



On Sun, 16 Mar 2008 15:50:27 -0500, RoseB wrote
(in message <hm1rt3dcdqiovsatm0jha4j0bdh17pngim@4ax.com>):

> I'll piggy back on Kate's post. We need to remember that we here are
> all at varying levels of ability and disability (if you choose to use
> that word). It was my rheumy and physiotherapists who suggested that I
> not go beyond 2-3 lbs. I do have 5 lb weights as well as 8 lb weights
> but cannot use them. I may also have been making an assumption about
> Nann's ability to lift and grasp.
>
> Kate mentioned resistance exercises, and I agree that those are good.
> Using the resistance band is good for working all muscle groups and
> may be less stressful on the joints.I use the Leslie Sansone fitness
> DVDs, so have her belt with attached therabands. I have also purchased
> from Walmart stretchy bands with three different levels of thickness
> and resistance. These are also very good.
> Rose @}>->--
> Being educated means that rather than fearing the unknown, one seeks to
> understand it. RB
>
> Please remove "Ima" to reply.

Nann, when are they going to get you back on some sort of dmard? I
know you had a whole lot of intestinal issues and such, but damage is
also marching on while they don't have you on anything! Yikes!!! I
don't know if Orencia or Rituxan is approved yet for PA but maybe that
might be an option? Whew, sure hope you can get on something soon and
get things back under some semblance of control!!!

..
..
..
..

Donna
..
..
..
..
1.) ANGELS EXIST, but some times, since they don't all have wings, we
call them FRIENDS......


2.) J.K.M.A.

Nann, I agree with Donna G. Prayers ongoing.
Gwen


"Donna G." <DKGBeeker@webtv.net> wrote in message
news:2036-47DDFDC2-591@storefull-3111.bay.webtv.net...
>
>
>
> Nann, when are they going to get you back on some sort of dmard? I
> know you had a whole lot of intestinal issues and such, but damage is
> also marching on while they don't have you on anything! Yikes!!! I
> don't know if Orencia or Rituxan is approved yet for PA but maybe that
> might be an option? Whew, sure hope you can get on something soon and
> get things back under some semblance of control!!!
>
> .
> .
> .
> .
>
> Donna
> .
> .
> .
> .
> 1.) ANGELS EXIST, but some times, since they don't all have wings, we
> call them FRIENDS......
>
>
> 2.) J.K.M.A.
>

Dunno when. At my last RD visit there was the possibility we'd be moving in
the very near future which further complicated plans. At the time, he
injected one of my thumb joints which helped systemically as well for about a
month. Now that we aren't moving for either of the jobs that was pending at
the time, we'll have to see. I used up my last dose pack a couple of weeks
ago and, at the least, need more to get through the travels we have planned
for May. Once we get through this week, I'll have to call my RD's office.


--
Nann
remove the Gator cheer to email me
Change everything. Love & forgive.


On Mon, 17 Mar 2008 0:12:34 -0500, Donna G. wrote
(in message <2036-47DDFDC2-591@storefull-3111.bay.webtv.net>):

>
>
>
> Nann, when are they going to get you back on some sort of dmard? I
> know you had a whole lot of intestinal issues and such, but damage is
> also marching on while they don't have you on anything! Yikes!!! I
> don't know if Orencia or Rituxan is approved yet for PA but maybe that
> might be an option? Whew, sure hope you can get on something soon and
> get things back under some semblance of control!!!
>
> .
> .
> .
> .
>
> Donna
> .
> .
> .
> .
> 1.) ANGELS EXIST, but some times, since they don't all have wings, we
> call them FRIENDS......
>
>
> 2.) J.K.M.A.
>