Thread: I really have LOW stamina :( Help!!

Originally Posted by Zarafshan

Thanks, and yep, I eat ALL the wrong food, its terrible,I need to change my life in a big way gradually... keep my fingers crossed every PMS won't be as severe as this one was :(

Re: need to change my life in a big way gradually..you can do it! Small steps, be kind to yourself, be healthy. Lots of people have changed their lives for the better. It does work if you have the desire. If your body/mind (-or - which came first the chicken or the egg?) is telling you Help! & you answer, that's a big start.

I got my blood results last week. Everything was fine but my hemoglobin (or some red blood cell test, either MCV or hematocrit, I'm unsure) was right at the lower limit. The doctor didn't seem concerned at all though. I thought that would signal borderline anemia? Does anyone know anything about this?

I'm not an expert on anemia and how to deal with it, but I suffer from the same lack of stamina issues. I've gotten better throughout the years, but it's still pretty capital for me.

I do BD practice as much as I can. I drinks LOTS of water. Yoga and stretching thoroughly (at least 20-30 minutes for me) before I practice or dance helps me go longer. I go to the gym and listen to Arabic music (classical, pop, folkloric, you name it) to keep me going (or whatever that gets you moving), and I do push myself.

But as odd as this may sound...workshops. Yes, workshops have helped me build my stamina. I try to take 2 hour or longer workshops often and not sit down (unless I'm in pain). If there's a workshop opportunity I'm interested in and I can afford it, I'm there. But this is AFTER you are improving a little bit with your stamina. One time I did this during my low stamina, and I walked out in tears. Not saying that you will, but it can be very frustrating.

I must emphasize again good stretching and warm up. If there is anyone who has lead a sedentary lifestyle (and I still do to some degree) it's me, Zarafshan. You can do it!!

BDF

I was going to add, check your gluten and carb intake. A diet high in carbs and gluten especially will naturally sedate you. Also, many greens such as spinach and broccoli are especially good for boosting energy levels (spinach is high in protein and iron and broccoli is good for PMS). I'd also do the thyroid test. Hypothyroidism will cause unbelievable fatigue. As far as exercise, I do a lot of things, but Michelle Joyce's warm-ups are really intense, and I find drum choreography DVDs in general to also be challenging. I also used to try to dance my way through Iron Butterfly's "Inna Gadda De Vida" (sp?) without stopping. That's tough!

I actually started my "improve cardio stamina" program today. It is literally the most low tech thing in the world.

There's a flight of stairs near my desk. Just one flight. I go up and down it for five minutes. I hope to do this daily. Sound too easy? Well, I find it incredibly hard. I was out of breath after four "flights" and resorted to going up and down on the lowest step like it was an aerobics step. I sure hope this helps.