What can I do to Exercise safe and painless--with CP

[Gringabonita]

I have mild cerebral Palsy and all the other issues that come with it. My CP only effects my legs. I have a bit of a limp and it makes all the muscles in my legs extra tight. To top it off I have a slipped L5, My doctor has given me a few low impact exercises to do and I am signing up for Physical therapy but I want something I can do actively. I haven't really exercised in a while I let it go because I guess I felt I would be able to get back into it whenever I wanted.
two years into college and I have put on 22 lbs. Exercising is even harder with all of these new complications.
Dose anyone know of any kind of exercises I can do that are kind of active that won't kill me with pain.

My mother is on wait watchers and with that and walking for 7 months shes lost 37 lbs. Walking makes my back and butt hurt really bad. Should I just do it anyway? I really want to get this weight off and I will do whatever it takes to get it off I just want to try and minimize my pain and be safe.
is weight watchers the way to go?

[mel67]

You should talk to your doctor about that. He knows the condition of your body, and can give you the best advice about exercise. I was told not to exercise (Rheumatoid arthritis), and tried Pilates anyway. Big Mistake!! I hurt for about a week afterwards. I realized my Rheumy knew what she was talking about.

[Ellen]

I agree with Melissa, ask your doctor. But it would not hurt to go in with some ideas to ask about! :) How about water aerobics? Its low impact, and no stress on joints. The resistance of the water makes it a really good workout. I 'water jog' for exercise frequently, and I check my blood sugar levels before and after. It is as effective as walking for lowering my glucose level, which tells me it is good at burning calories. Can you do any weight lifting? Strengthening and toning muscle helps burn more calories.

[andreaphilip3]

hi there!:)

i wanted to intro myself bc i have cp also. my legs are greatly affected as well but my cp is moderate to severe. pm me if youd like to chat. im on ww and can help w exercises that wont cause you pain. hope to hear from yoo soon

[kyethra]

My brother has CP. He loves the water- will go and walk around in the pool.

Another thing that has worked for him in the past I think is leg lifts and that sort of exercise.

When I was in physical therapy (when I was working on getting used to my then new nerve damage and fibro) I did some work with very low resistance bands. That was easy on me but it was still a work out.