My fitness journey with POTS(postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome)
I have never posted on the community page before but I wanted to share a little of my journey with POTS and how fitness blender has helped me through it. In 2005 I was diagnosed with POTS when my youngest was around 6 months old. I had just turned 25. I randomly passed out one evening and when I came to my HR was staying between 160-200. After a week stay in the hospital and seeing every specialist and every test they finally diagnosed me with POTS( I realize now that I have had symptoms of it my whole life). I ended up being on a daily steroid and other meds to help increase fluids and keep my HR and BP regulated over the next several years. This of course made me gain weight and changed my whole body shape/composition. In 2015 I had a hysterectomy for PCOS and endometriosis and after my recovery period was over I wanted to try to control my symptoms more naturally by avoiding my triggers and slowly training my nervous system to control my HR through exercise. I found fitness blender and bought my first program. Since then I have used the programs off and on but in May 2023 I decided to make a goal of consistent exercise 5 days/wk and started FB low impact program again. At the beginning of this year I joined FB plus and I have completed many programs and challenges. This past year I have noticed many improvements in both my cardiovascular endurance and strength. I went from using 3 -5 lb weights to using 21 lbs yesterday for squats and deadlifts. I no longer need meds for my POTs and control it by avoiding triggers, staying well hydrated, using electrolytes when needed, and exercise. When I do have a flare up I can usually get my HR to stabilize within 10-20 minutes instead of hours/days/and sometimes weeks that my flare up used to last. On the physical side I have lost around 20-25 lbs and definitely have gained muscle mass and lost inches. But I don’t weigh very often and have not measured for inches lost because I don’t want to base my fitness goals on that and get discouraged. I basse my success on being consistent, slowly improving in strength and endurance, and feeling better overall. Thanks so much Kelli, Daniel, and the rest of the FB team for helping me reach my fitness goals! I look forward to working out with you for many more years to come
My fitness journey with POTS(postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome)
I have never posted on the community page before but I wanted to share a little of my journey with POTS and how fitness blender has helped me through it. In 2005 I was diagnosed with POTS when my youngest was around 6 months old. I had just turned 25. I randomly passed out one evening and when I came to my HR was staying between 160-200. After a week stay in the hospital and seeing every specialist and every test they finally diagnosed me with POTS( I realize now that I have had symptoms of it my whole life). I ended up being on a daily steroid and other meds to help increase fluids and keep my HR and BP regulated over the next several years. This of course made me gain weight and changed my whole body shape/composition. In 2015 I had a hysterectomy for PCOS and endometriosis and after my recovery period was over I wanted to try to control my symptoms more naturally by avoiding my triggers and slowly training my nervous system to control my HR through exercise. I found fitness blender and bought my first program. Since then I have used the programs off and on but in May 2023 I decided to make a goal of consistent exercise 5 days/wk and started FB low impact program again. At the beginning of this year I joined FB plus and I have completed many programs and challenges. This past year I have noticed many improvements in both my cardiovascular endurance and strength. I went from using 3 -5 lb weights to using 21 lbs yesterday for squats and deadlifts. I no longer need meds for my POTs and control it by avoiding triggers, staying well hydrated, using electrolytes when needed, and exercise. When I do have a flare up I can usually get my HR to stabilize within 10-20 minutes instead of hours/days/and sometimes weeks that my flare up used to last. On the physical side I have lost around 20-25 lbs and definitely have gained muscle mass and lost inches. But I don’t weigh very often and have not measured for inches lost because I don’t want to base my fitness goals on that and get discouraged. I basse my success on being consistent, slowly improving in strength and endurance, and feeling better overall. Thanks so much Kelli, Daniel, and the rest of the FB team for helping me reach my fitness goals! I look forward to working out with you for many more years to come