Revigor (Ensure)

I need to rebuild my muscles and can't exercise. I saw a commercial for Ensure Muscle Health and it has "revigor". I have no idea what that is and a search didn't turn up much. Anyone ever heard of it? I don't want to take it until I know what it is.

I answered my own question. Revigor is HMB. Now I have to research that.

Sandi, would you be able to do any sort of water aerobics class? When people can't exercise otherwise, sometimes they can handle (and do well with) water aerobics.

Could you do electrical stimulation?

Well, the problem with water aerobics is that by the time I'm finished with work, I'm too tired to go any where. Especially in the winter...all I want to do is go HOME and get warm. I know I need to do something though.

Jaz - I have a TENS, but I've read that an EMS helps to rebuild muscle better than a TENS.

When you say you can't exercise, what exactly do you mean? Have you tried anything like Pilates - I've just started out with a DVD, so i do it at home. I've started off with 10-20 mins once a week and taking it fairly gently at the moment. Mostly just involves a bit of stretching and working your muscle groups while lying on the floor.

Any type of stretching or lifting causes wide spread muscle inflammation that lasts for days. I can't find any type of exercise that doesn't cause it, but I need to rebuild lost muscle mass.

I know it is very hard to combine work, family, exercise, especially if one is tired. Any chance you could do water exercise first thing in the morning? I don't do a class, but a deep pool is available to me in the morning, and when I get up, I put on my swim suit, go to the deep pool, and move around a lot. I do have a set of exercises, and two days a week I swim laps, but to start, just moving around in the water (where things don't hurt so much) is so helpful. I've built up to use resistance equipment--ankle cuffs, foam barbells--but in the beginning, I'd just ride a noodle or use a belt and walk in the water. When I'm finished, I shower, and I go on to my day. Amazingly enough, I am less tired after this than I am when I don't do it. It might not work for everyone, but water certainly works for me.

If a deep pool isn't available, a lap pool often has a lane reserved for walkers. That is more weight-bearing than exercise in a deep pool, but lots less than exercise on land.

Karen - I know I am full of excuses, but the thought of getting up any earlier than I do now makes me want to open a vein. Especially now when it's frigid outside. I dread the alarm going off as it is! I'll figure something out.

Most people pull a few muscles when they first start a new exercise regieme, usually down to a lack of technique, which you learn as you go along. And regardless of what exercise you do, it's always important to warm up, warm down and stretch out after. Trick is to build up slowly, don't overdo it and eventually your body will get used to moving around a bit more. Getting through the first few weeks is the hardest.

Sandi -

Has your muscle inflammation / pain been diagnosed? is it Fibromyalgia?

Yes. It's due to Lupus (myalgia).

I looked around NASA's website and other sites dealing with weightless conditions because weightlessness causes muscle atrophy and bone loss. I couldn't find anything other than exercise to maintain both.

If there is any supplement or drug that builds muscle mass without exercise, NASA would know about it.

Tad, that was a neat idea to check NASA. Erica

Wow - that WAS a good idea! Since that may be impossible, I guess I'm really looking for something that will have an affect on ATP and lactic acid which seem to cause muscle pain. If I can get that under control, maybe I could exercise. I have tried Corvalen and it does help, but only for a day or two then it stops. No cumulative affect.

Tad - what do you do for a living?

Accountant and financial analyst by trade, & part time blues / rock guitar player.

Just curious. I always wonder what people do based on things they say. I wouldn't have guessed Accountant! Numbers guy!

What about a trampoline? It's great exercise, low impact (sort of) and super fun to boot! :silly:

Sandi - What's ATP, and are you trying to increase it or reduce it? I, too, can't imagine getting up any earlier than I already do for a 90 minute commute, but, when we were on vacation this summer, the weightlessness of the pool felt great. I was having some swelling in my feet and hands, and the pool really helped me feel better. I didn't do much but paddle and bob around a bit, but I felt energized afterward. Wish I had a pool.
Norma

I have a pool, but it doesn't do any good most of the year living in PA. I always feel the best when I'm in the ocean. It pushes me and tosses me around and I stretch muscles I didn't know I had. Wish I had an ocean in my back yard (without the sea creatures).

"ATP is the main source of energy for all muscle contraction. There are several chemical reactions that take place to produce ATP. When a muscle is used, a chemical reaction breaks down ATP to produce energy."

www.indoorclimbing.com/muscles.html

Ah, there's the rub: "When a muscle is USED, a chemical reaction breaks down ATP to produce energy."

How about a small spa for winter time? Maybe the warm water might help with the pain and inflammation, and maybe once the muscles start gently building up, the pain might decrease?

There are a few companies who manufacture small spas: Here's one who makes a "spa in a box" kit:

www.clpusa.com/

Another approach might be to consult with a physical therapist.

In order to build muscle you need to break it down first.
I can't imagine taking a pill to build up muscle.

No, not taking a pill to build muscle...finding something that will allow exercise. When I've taken Corvalen, it has made a difference in the stiffness for a short time. I'm looking for something more long term. I'm at the point where I can barely dry my hair or carry anything. I can barely open bottles, and my legs are flabby and weak.

I tried PT, but only get 20 sessions a year from my insurance. Twice a week only lasted 10 weeks and I was done. It got me no where. It took that long to get loosened up and I wasn't able to start building at all.