“And it doesn’t have to be a whole head of broccoli or a bowl of raw kale (eww).”

While diets and trends come and go, one thing that every registered dietitian, doctor, health coach, etc. can agree on is that fruits and vegetables are good for you. Although fruit has recently gotten a lot of bad press for its sugar content, truth is that’s a load of bologna. Pretty much the only people who need to consider the sugar in fruit are diabetics. For the rest of the population: keep trying to eat as many fruits and veggies as you can.

Why are they indisputably so good for us?

“Healthcare workers know that TONS of people in the population are dealing with the same sensitive topics you are.”

I recently heard of a website where people can have an online “consultation” with a doctor and get prescribed medications for things such as erectile dysfunction. While discussing this idea with a friend, I heard myself becoming rather unsympathetic. Why go to all the trouble to find an online, probably shifty, black-market sort of medication distributor when you could just talk to your primary care physician about it? A physician who already knows your medical conditions and your medication list, and is therefore probably a safer prescription source?

Keep in mind, I’m a registered nurse within the cardiac field. I’ve seen the dangers of mixing erectile dysfunction medications (vasodilators) with other heart/circulatory system meds.

However, my friend brought up a good point. While I see sensitive issues as medical conditions, others view them as embarrassing problems they’d really rather not discuss. I’m used to talking about all of those things with patients, but that doesn’t mean they’re used to talking so openly about them. So while I’m pretty comfortable speaking to my own doctor about anything and everything, of course many other people don’t feel that way.

“Who said exercise couldn’t be enjoyable?!”

Please note: Below I’ve provided links to Amazon. I am an Amazon affiliate and only promote products that I truly believe in. I may receive compensation if you purchase an item through one of my links , but this in no way affects the cost to you. Thank you!

Do you live with chronic pain or functional limitations? Problems such as back, hip, or knee pain from surgeries or arthritis can all take a toll on your daily life. Normal activities such as walking up stairs, mowing the lawn, entering and exiting the shower, and walking around the block become tremendously difficult. Let alone trying to exercise!

So what are you supposed to do if your doctor tells you to start exercising? What’s the next step if you’ve finished rehab/physical therapy and they tell you to keep working out? Even if you have access to a gym, just traveling to the gym can be taxing and requires a mode of transport. The easiest home exercise plan to stick to is the one that takes place right there – at home.

There’s one piece of equipment that I’ve found to be very effective for almost anyone with some sort of chronic pain or functional limitation. It can be adapted to fit your specific needs and is ideal for any body size.  And it’s not a $1000 treadmill or a $250 stationary bike! But it helps increase your endurance, strengthens your muscles, and builds up your heart. You not only are able to exercise with it but also can improve your stamina and become able to complete your activities of daily living (ADLS) with less difficulty and less breaks.

So what’s the one exercise tool that I recommend above all others for those with chronic pain or functional limitations?