Hi although I had my stroke very young age 11 my body was completely physically fit I did football gymnastics everything kids would do at that age, but as I have gotten older I feel my left side is a lot harder to get moving. I do physiotherapy and occupational exercises when I can and moderate walking. I can take my stick if needed. But I wanted to share the best exercise that has hugely helped my recovery over the years is swimming! I always went swimming so was confident and whilst in hospital I learned to walk in the hydrotherapy pool. I just find swimming the best way to relax the muscle spasms in my left arm and I get a sense of my effected side almost feeling normal. I am by no means a speed swimmer in fact some times I swim on my good side or just do stretches in the water. I know swimming is not for everyone but I find it therapeutic and my muscle spasms fully relax, which is sometimes such a relief/less pain too. I swim lengths slowly but I just go at my own pace some days my weaker side sinks under but I have adapted my good side to compensate I normally do front breast stroke head above water at all times. It did take me a few years after my stroke to decide to swim again as I was in the swimming pool when I had my stroke. drowning was the words I might use but got rescued. I am interested to hear what others enjoy to help aid recovery?
Exercise good, any exercise.
Swimming is wonderful and one of the best exercises you can do.
We don’t do enough exercise in this day and age. This coupled with the way we live and work is probably the reason why we are not a healthy as we could/should be.
Exercise is a must, but sadly, very few of us do as much as we should.
Thank you for sharing.
I am not a great swimmer and never have been but I agree with you about swimming being good exercise.
I often only swim on holiday & my poor swimming pre stroke is now poor wonky swimming but I don’t care I just swim anyway. I also tried aquafit last time I was away. That was hilarious as one sided aquafit isn’t easy but I enjoyed trying.
Having your stroke in a pool must have been scary but well done on getting back to it.
Best wishes
Ann x
@MarnieT , thank you for sharing, very impressive, I admire you for getting back into the water after your stroke, that must have been quite difficult.
Unfortunately I have never learned to swim well enough for it to be beneficial. My parents were both non swimmers and although they tried to teach me to swim when Iwas young, I never enjoyed being in the water. When I was in the rehab unit following my stroke, the physiotherapists talked me into using the hydrotherapy pool on a couple of occasions but sadly I really didn’t enjoy it and only tried it twice.
Swimming is a great exercise and I admire anyone who can use swimming as a therapy after a stroke. Keep up the good work.
Regards Sue
Here’s a challenge, soon to be, from the Stroke Association on Facebook.
Get your name up there now !!.
31 Minutes of Exercise a Day in May 2025 :
looks like a good 'un.
keep on keepin’ on
I used to be a good swimmer before my stroke. Now, because of my right side weakness I can’t use my right arm to swim. I do ‘swim’ by holding a float out in front of me and use training fins to give me extra leg power. I also walk lengths of the pool (with my fins on) to strengthen my legs.
I also do aquarobics once a week, to build up my strength.
@MinnieB This is how I started back swimming using a float I sometimes still do especially if tired. Walking lengths is also enough for me its building up muscle and the water makes it easier. I tried the aquarobics but found my co-ordination couldn’t handle it, don’t think I really gave it a chance I might try again. My favorite part after swimming is the sauna and steam room. Lovely treat
I will need look into this Bobbi, it just might help with my lack of motivation some days.
If you are kind to yourself, no marathons, and regularly perform a simple non-challenging exercise you would more likely succeed in completing the course.
The idea is to motivate so it could work for you.
I hope you’ll give it a try and while you are at it encourage others.
Exercise is good for us all on so many levels not only physical - it lifts the spirits too.