Stop Chronic Fatigue

Posts Tagged ‘Exercise’

The Noblerex K-1 vibration exercise machine is a relatively new tool now being used in the health and fitness field. It’s a machine with an oscillating platform you stand on that vibrates 7-28 times per second depending on the level. This vibration creates a very efficient, effective, and safe muscle toning workout for all ages and fitness levels. What’s more, the vibrations and the consequential muscle contractions not only assist you in getting fit and toned, they increase the production of Human Growth Hormone, improve blood circulation and oxygenation, improve bone strength, improve lymphatic health, burn calories like crazy, boost your metabolism, and more.

Whole body vibration exercise has become an enormous advantage to thousands of people living with conditions such as osteoporosis, neuropathy, rheumatism, multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, spinal cord injuries, or muscle atrophy. These people usually can’t perform the same kind of exercise other people can without danger, pain or discomfort, yet they still need to get in regular exercise to stay fit and healthy. Because of this relatively new technology, they can benefit from regular exercise as well as the aforementioned benefits of vibration exercise comfortably, safely, and in just 10 minutes a day.

If you’ve been looking into whole body vibration machines, you may have come across the term “load” before. The load refers to the gravitational force, or pressure, placed on the body while doing certain activities such as walking, jumping, or climbing. With vibration machines, the load placed on the body can be light to quite substantial. This will make a significant difference for your joints, ligaments, organs, even the sensation on your head, when on the machine – especially if you’re a larger than average person wanting to use the machine to improve your health and waistline.

So what kind of machine type puts the least amount of load on the user’s body?

With vertical, also known as linear, vibration machines, the load on the joints, tendons and ligaments, can be very high – up to 600% (or six times) your body weight, depending on the machine and your positioning. Those with joint or back issues will usually find this up and down movement pattern uncomfortable and even painful, as may others without these issues.

With oscillating, also known as pivotal, vibration machines, the muscles on either side of the body are contracted alternatively, similar to walking. This creates a load on the body that is about 130% of your body weight. This is far less load than what running, jumping, climbing steps, and even walking creates! This is exactly what makes this type of vibration system such a unique and advantageous way to exercise for people who need to be cautious about the pressure placed on their body.

Oscillating vibration machines are especially friendly to the elderly and people with disabilities. These machines create a gentle to intense – depending on the level – rocking movement rather than a jarring up and down movement. This reduces the impact the vibration exercise has on your entire body, making it much safer and more comfortable than linear vibration machines.

If you’re still unsure about what type of vibration machine is right for you or a loved one, try out a linear / vertical vibration machine and a pivotal / oscillating vibration machine at your local gym or home fitness machine store and feel the difference for yourself. You’ll then learn what feels best, not only during your workout, but the day after too!

Lenette Nakauchi specializes in vibration technology, fitness, and therapy using the Noblerex K-1 machine. The Noblerex K-1 is perfect for people of all ages and fitness levels and especially for those who don’t have time to exercise or have a disability. To learn more, please visit the Noblerex K-1 site or call for a free consultation at (800) 518-4272.

Massage therapy is experiencing a growing trend. Many people are realizing that they must do more than just exercise and have a balanced diet. The body itself needs time to recover and to recuperate. One method to assist the recovery and recuperation process is with massage therapy. Massage therapy helps to relieve tightness and deeply penetrate through the muscle tissue. Technology is now making available therapeutic health massage chairs which offer a range of different relieving therapies.

It is interesting to note that massage therapy has been practiced in virtually every culture of the world. We have such international massage favorite as shiatsu, Swedish, deep tissue and reflexology. All of these methods have evolved in separate cultures and are now international standards. Health massage chairs have integrated these techniques and movements into convenient recliners.

Health massage chairs are able to employ techniques such as shiatsu. Shiatsu involves the stimulation of acupoints. These advanced health massage chairs are able to identify your acupoints by scanning your body. The shiatsu massage is targeted based on your individual reading.

Deep tissue massage is the treatment preferred by professional athletes. Their bodies demand greater relief due to the stresses put on the muscles. Deep tissue massage penetrates all the way through the muscle and soft tissue areas to provide thorough relief. Many health massage chairs offer deep penetration to provide thorough relief of stiff muscles.

Many people enjoy a relieving reflexology foot massage. Health massage chairs are able to deliver soothing relief to the feet. Many of these advanced recliners use specialized nodes to stimulate the bottom of the feet. This can be very relieving not only to the feet but also to your whole body.

Another important technique used in health massage chairs is Swedish massage. Swedish or classic massage consists of a number of massaging actions. Each of these actions is geared to provide relief and invigoration . This helps to speed healing and relaxation.

Many of us have experienced back pain. Most of the time, we experience stiffness in the lumbar region of the back. The spine becomes very compressed and the tissues become stiff. Gentle movement such as a rolling massage can provide needed relief.

Another important area in which health massage chairs are being used is for chronic pain relief. Many sufferers of chronic pain such as fibromyalgia need relief. Health massage chairs are being used successfully in some cases to relieve aches, pain and discomfort associated with fibromyalgia.

One new feature which is being added to health massage chairs is zero gravity. Zero gravity is a position which relieves pressure off of your spine. By reclining the chair back to a particular angle, this helps to take the weight off the spine and better distribute it across your back.

Health massage chairs are manufactured by some of the top companies in the world. Brand such as Panasonic, Sanyo and Omega are the leaders. They consistently add therapeutic health treatments into their massage recliners.

It is important to look at your overall health picture and also focus on the recovery process. Part of the recovery process is getting sufficient sleep and also getting massage therapy to relieve aches and pains. Your body needs relief after you push it during an exercise workout. Your muscles become stiff and ache. There can be a buildup of lactic acid which needs to be flushed as well. Many of these treatments can be found in the current lineup of health massage chairs. A health massage chair is the most convenient way to get access to regular massage therapy.

You will find a host of therapeutic benefits with Health Massage Chairs. Find out more how you get relief from the various treatments on a daily basis. We are information providersfor research to help those who require regular relief. You do not have to suffer with ongoing pain. Get Pain Relief now.

Fibromyalgia or FMS is a condition that is characterized by varying degrees of muscle aches and general body pain. The pain can range from mild stiffness to severe pain. The pain can be widespread affecting the muscles, ligaments, joints and tendons. Your health care professional may recommend varying treatments depending on the situation. Many fibromyalgia patients are turning to massage chairs to help relieve aches and pains.

More health care professionals are recognizing the benefit their patients can obtain from massage chairs. Their patients need to get frequent massages to help soothe and relieve their pain. Massage chairs provide a practical and economical alternative for massage therapy.

Some cases have pointed to a possible link between symptoms of fibromyalgia and the build up of lactic acid. Lactic acid may build up in certain people and this build up causes pain and stiffness. Reducing lactic acid with massage therapy can help relieve certain symptoms if received on a continuous basis.

One of the biggest challenges of getting massage therapy is convenience. Massage chairs are the perfect answer to this challenge. They provide unprecedented access when you need it, where you need and for how long you need it.

Patients with fibromyalgia experience greater tenderness and soreness. Sometimes massages can be uncomfortable at first. The muscles are stiff and may ache. Massage therapy starts to work on the muscles to increase flexibility. This can sometimes be somewhat painful until some amount of flexibility is restored.

Flexibility needs to be restored to the muscles and other soft tissues. They are contracted which make them ache and become inflexible. Stretching can be a bit painful to start as you are undoing some of the aching muscles. Like anything new, take your time and go slowly.

Interestingly, many massage chairs have warm up routines and other techniques to help your body warm up. You can use a massage chair prior to stretching to warm up the body and get the blood flowing in you. Another option is activating stretching of the lower body or the arms and shoulders.

Another treatment that helps reduce swelling and enhance blood circulation is the application of heat. Massage chairs have built in heating elements allowing you to select where you would like heat to be applied. You can select one or multiple areas of your body to suit your needs at any time.

Some of the warning signs and symptoms of fibromyalgia include stiffness and pain in the joints and muscles throughout the body. There are certain tests that can help to determine if the person in fact suffers from fibromyalgia. Some physical examinations push certain pressure points are check for associated pain in that area. Always check with your doctor as to your conditions and specific remedies for your situation.

Having stiffness and aches is no way to live your life. Get ongoing relief and help rebuild your flexibility with a massage chair. The various treatments available in a massage recliner can be a huge benefit for those in need. Just having a reliable masseuse that you can activate when you need it is some the lifesaver you need. A massage chair goes to work on you when you push the button.

View more regarding relief you can seek from Fibromyalgia Massage Chairs on a periodic basis. The amazing in home convenience of getting Massage Chair Therapy when you want it, where you want it and for how long as you would like it. A massage chair is there for you when you need it.

Is it the middle of the morning or afternoon, and you can barely think of anything else but catching a little more shut eye? Even simple projects or tasks can sometimes seem incredibly hard to manage. You may even have to work to summon up enough energy to stay alert for your drive home from work.
Anyone can be tired for a number of reasons, but the most common one is not getting enough sleep. But, if you are getting enough sleep, then why are you having these daytime slumps half way through your morning or afternoon?
For many people, diets play a pivotal role in experiencing daytime drowsiness. Skipping meals or eating the wrong types of food and beverages can contribute to mid-morning and mid-afternoon fatigue sessions. Make time for the most important meal of the day, by eating breakfast. If you want to avoid a mid-morning slump, eat a higher amount of protein foods with complex carbohydrates, and less highly refined carbohydrates. Maybe you are tired of eggs, then try high protein food sources like peanut butter, cottage cheese, other cheeses, or lean turkey with your toast. Complex carbohydrates to include are fresh raw fruits and whole grains.
Lunch as well, should contain more protein rich foods with a few complex carbohydrates for long lasting energy, and less highly refined carbohydrates. If you choose to eat only a skimpy salad, or refined carbohydrates, you will then be left feeling short changed in the energy department later in the afternoon. The same effects also hold true when eating too heavily, or eating too much of a highly refined carbohydrate lunch. You will begin to feel sluggish soon afterward because, heavy meals will draw more blood from the brain to the digestive organs to help digest a heavy meal. Highly refined foods are also harder for your body to digest (this may take days for your body to accomplish) and takes energy away from your brain. Also, experiment with eating smaller amounts of food more often, instead of eating heavier fewer times in the day, and avoid refined sugars, grains, and sugary beverages. The short lived and nutritionally empty energizing effects of eating these will bring on the yawns much quicker.
At one time in ancient history (the past 40 years) a low-fat diet was considered a smart and healthy path to take, and was advised by many medical health experts. Today, many still believe and follow this unproductive diet strategy. Unfortunately, following this fat-free diet strategy will also leave you feeling tired and exhausted. Ironically, the reverse is actually true. Omega-3 essential fatty acids, along with saturated fats, are very much needed by the body, and used for a more concentrated form of energy. The newer diet fat strategy idea is to consume way less omega-6 fatty acids oils (polyunsaturated), which are found in vegetable and seed oils, and is abundant in processed junk foods.
Healthy diet fat oils, such as saturated, monounsatureated (olive oil), and omega-3’s (fish oil) are essential building materials for cell membranes, hormones, and act as carriers for the fat soluble vitamins A,D,E, and K. Fats also help improve mineral absorption. Saturated fats were once and long thought to be heart damaging but, this fat has recently been vindicated from its villain status. Coconut oil is a saturated fat and has been shown in published research studies to boost metabolic energy, thus enhancing mental and physical performance. Coconut oil has also proven to positively improve symptoms associated with chronic fatigue syndrome.
Consider trying a short vigorous 20 to 30 minute exercise stint (walking is good) during your lunch hour, in being able to help you fight daytime lethargy. A quick and brisk walk improves cardiovascular blood flow, physical and mental performance, breathing capacity, and helps promote healthy sleep. Only get 30 minutes for lunch, don’t despair, use other opportunities through out your day to get some physical exertion. Use stairs instead of elevators, walk instead of driving, and break up long periods of sitting or standing with some sort of stretching or walking exercise.
If diet and exercise, together, are not quite enough to keep you as alert as you would like to be in the afternoon, here are some herbal options to consider. Adaptogenic herbs are safe, can be taken long term, and with very few (if any) side effects. Herbs in this class are ginseng (all varieties), rhodiola, and schisandra. Research data suggests the saponins called ‘ginsenosides’ in ginseng is the substance that may help strengthen the mind and immune system.
A quick mid-afternoon pick-me-up green drink made with ’spirulina’ mixed with tomato juice is a tasty treat, as well as a herbal flavored green tea, iced or hot.
The Japanese are leaders in the intriguing, yet very invigorating power of aromatherapy. Aromatherapy has been shown to perk up an individual’s arousal and alertness, and helps reduce stress. Use chemical free and natural forms of scent like essential oils, Rosemary is especially good at fighting fatigue. There are many different scents to choose from. Put a few drops on a tissue or cotton ball. Place in a small plastic baggy or jar, inhale as needed. Infuse a few drops of Rosemary in a carrier oil such as olive oil or coconut oil, massage on sore, aching, or tired muscles
Now, let us go back to diet tips. There is no denying that a small amount of caffeine can help fight fatigue but, excessive and daily overuse of this drug can leave you feeling anxious, nervous, irritated, and reduce the efficiency of physical and mental performance. Caffeine can also (in many individuals) compromise regular, restful sleep. Some of you know who you are, and some of you may not. A word of caution, use caffeine sparingly until you know how it affects you and your sleep patterns. Many people do not take the effects of caffeine seriously enough, using it willy-nilly, as if it is not much of a threat.
If daytime fatigue has eluded all of the tactics mentioned above, then it may be time to take a look at your hydration levels. Dehydration is a common, rampant problem around the world, and especially prevalent in modern industrialized cultures. It is estimated that approximately three-quarters of the human population is seriously and chronically dehydrated. Dehydration contributes to daytime fatigue by reducing blood flow to the brain and other vital organs through out the body by slowing them down.
To prevent this problem, everyone should be responsible enough in making the small effort to better keep themselves properly hydrated with water. This is easier to do than than eating better food, and will help flush toxins out of you. Water is the nutrient carrying solvent the body prefers above any other. Water is energizing enough, in itself, to greatly help you avoid daytime sluggishness.
How much should you be drinking in water? That depends on your body weight. You should be drinking your body weight, divided in half, in ounces every day. After about 2 quarts of water consumption, add about a half a teaspoon of unrefined salt to the mixture.
Considering how much water is needed to replace what you are loosing constantly every day, in breathing, sweating, urinating, you get a better understanding of why it is so important to replenish it. And, understand this important factoid, the brain is made up of about 80% water, 20% fat. Depriving the brain of the energizing substance it is mostly comprised of, is an energy deprived brain.

Most older people experience, at some time, some degree of fatigue. But most problems with fatigue are not physical weakness; they are related to failure to exercise, depression, unhappiness, worry, or boredom. True weakness, as with inability to move an arm or leg, is a physical problem involving nerves, brain, or muscle, and needs immediate medical attention. Fatigue or tiredness is far more common than true weakness.

Another common cause for fatigue is overuse of one drug or another. For example, excess caffeine intake leading to poor sleep habits can cause daytime fatigue. Or tranquilizers can make you feel tired or drowsy. Once the normal sleep cycle has been disturbed, there is a tendency to grab an afternoon nap. Then the following night’s sleep is not good because the afternoon nap decreased the need for sleep at night. A vicious cycle has been set in motion.

You may be assuming from this discussion that most fatigue is not serious. That is correct. Even when arthritis is associated, most fatigue results from misunderstanding your body. Reestablishing a pattern of healthy activity, more moderate drug use, and good nocturnal sleep will do wonders.

But if you have an inflammatory arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, the disease may be causing the fatigue. This is a more serious kind of fatigue, and improving your living patterns will not help much. In such cases the sedimentation rate is elevated and there may be a low-grade fever. A hematocrit test may show the anemia of chronic disease. There may be some weight loss. Treatment in these cases is directed at the disease causing the fatigue and may take some time.

When you mention fatigue, most people don’t even think of the problems just described. Instead they think of a problem with the thyroid or anemia. These are so unusual as causes of fatigue that you can almost forget about them. But if your fatigue persists, for more than six weeks despite home treatment, your doctor might want to check out these and other possibilities or may be able to reassure you that these problems are not present.

The chronic fatigue syndrome is an unusual and troubling problem that requires consultation with a doctor. This syndrome lasts a long time, lacks really good treatment, may follow a viral infection, and frequently includes an emotional component, sometimes aggravated by the fatigue.

Fatigue is not a symptom of old age. In fact, as you get older you need less sleep and tend to be more alert, particularly early in the day. So pay attention to this symptom.

Listen to the fatigue message from your body. Heed it, but don’t give in to it. Rest if you are tired, but alternate such periods with times of activity. Fatigue, because it can lead to physical de-conditioning, can become its own cause.

Decrease all possible drugs including caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, tranquilizers, and probably television. Ingredients in common cold or allergy medications can cause fatigue, as can Valium and codeine. Suspect all drugs.

Increase new activities. Friends, hobbies, travel, vacations, and even shopping tend to break the fatigue cycle. Increase your activity level by addition of smooth, graded, and easy exercises. Exercise helps you become involved in new and different things as well as giving physical help by increasing your stamina.

Expect improvement to be slow and expect to be discouraged at times. Persevere.

I have gained weight with fibromyalgia. It hurts to do anything… even walk for long periods. But I am sick of being fat. And no matter how healthy and little I eat, I cannot lose weight and just keep gaining. Any ideas on what I can do?

Fibromyalgia or FMS is a condition that is characterized by varying degrees of muscle aches and general body pain. The pain can range from mild stiffness to severe pain. The pain can be widespread affecting the muscles, ligaments, joints and tendons. Your health care professional may recommend varying treatments depending on the situation. Many fibromyalgia patients are turning to massage chairs to help relieve aches and pains.

More health care professionals are recognizing the benefit their patients can obtain from massage chairs. Their patients need to get frequent massages to help soothe and relieve their pain. Massage chairs provide a practical and economical alternative for massage therapy.

Some health professionals believe that the pain that fibromyalgia induces comes from an excess of lactic acid. Massage therapy has been found to significantly release the build up of this lactic acid. But to reduce the build up of lactic acid, massage therapy must be obtained on a continuous basis.

Getting periodic or frequent massages is hard for sufferers of fibromyalgia. This is where technology can be a blessing. Massage chairs provide a convenient and effective means to receive certain types of massage treatments.

Many patients with fibromyalgia can feel more tender and sore. The muscles become stiff and inflexible. Massage seeks to stretch and penetrate to help restore flexibility. Those with more tenderness may feel some soreness when getting the first couple of massages.

A person suffering from FMS should begin with mild stretching exercises to get warmed up. These stretches should be slow and deliberate. Do not bounce or vigorously stretch your muscles. The goal is to keep the muscle loose and improve the range of motion of the muscles and the joints.

Stretching and then performing other warm up for your body is helpful. Massage chairs are great for warming up or warming down. Choose from a multitude of programs. Some massage chairs have programs and variants of those programs that number in the 400 range. The ability to target specific relief with certain massage techniques is a wonderful option.

Some massage chairs incorporate heating elements to help reduce swelling. You can activate the heat in a given area of the chair. There are also models that have traction or stretching systems. These systems can stretch the lower body and now there are some that can stretch the arms and shoulders. These can be an effective method of warming up prior to activity.

Some of the warning signs and symptoms of fibromyalgia include stiffness and pain in the joints and muscles throughout the body. There are certain tests that can help to determine if the person in fact suffers from fibromyalgia. Some physical examinations push certain pressure points are check for associated pain in that area. Always check with your doctor as to your conditions and specific remedies for your situation.

Having stiffness and aches is no way to live your life. Get ongoing relief and help rebuild your flexibility with a massage chair. The various treatments available in a massage recliner can be a huge benefit for those in need. Just having a reliable masseuse that you can activate when you need it is some the lifesaver you need. A massage chair goes to work on you when you push the button.

View more about relief you can seek from Fibromyalgia Massage Chairs on a periodic basis. The amazing in home convenience of getting Massage Chair Therapy when you want it, where you want it and for how long as you would like it. A massage chair is there for you when you need it.

Chronic fatigue syndrome has many symptoms and conditions that are associated with it. Some sufferers are greatly affected while others are not. The disease is quite difficult to treat because there is very little consistency with the symptoms. However, stress is one symptom that seems to be present in nearly all sufferers of chronic fatigue syndrome.

Nearly all sufferers of chronic fatigue syndrome react badly to stressful situations. Stress can aggravate their symptoms to a point where they are nearly debilitating. Stress for chronic fatigue syndrome sufferers is also more that just unpleasant or tense situations. They also include emotional, biological or physical stressors that cause the body to react in an adverse way. Sometimes sounds or images can trigger a stressful response to a sufferer of chronic fatigue.

Research shows that highly stressful situations or events can bring on initial attacks of chronic fatigue syndrome. Further stressful situations only aggravate the symptoms further. Those who suffer from chronic fatigue syndrome are highly encouraged to avoid stress and to engage in activities to help reduce stress and anxiety.

Exercise makes up part of the treatment program for sufferers of chronic fatigue syndrome. The exercise is not meant to push the body to its physical limits but rather to help treat the symptoms of the condition. Sufferers are encouraged to participate in light stretching, resistance and even yoga. These activities help maintain muscle flexibility and tissue density, but are also very effective in reducing stress and anxiety. Deep breathing and relaxation techniques are also used for this purpose.

Treatment for sufferers with chronic fatigue syndrome can be frustrating. What may work for one patient may not work for another. There is very little consistency with the symptoms of this condition. Some sufferers have a wide array of symptoms while others only suffer from a few.

Gentle stretching can be performed by physical therapists and/or practiced by patients at home. Several programs have been fashioned for Fibromyalgia (FM), Chronic Myofascial Pain (CMP), and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) patients for this purpose. Stretching is important because it helps to relieve muscle tension and spasm. In difficult-to-treat areas, “spray and stretch” techniques can be used by applying a spray coolant to sore muscles, which deadens pain while the muscles are stretched. Many therapists prefer to ice the muscle, since the spray is a prescription, is flammable, and causes pollution. Ice works just as effectively.

Stretching, as it relates to physical health and fitness, is the process of placing particular parts of the body into a position that will lengthen the muscles and associated soft tissues. Stretching is a simple and effective activity that helps to minimize muscle and joint soreness in FM and other musculoskeletal conditions.

There is a right way to stretch and a wrong way to stretch.  So, you must be careful. Stretching can be damaging if done incorrectly. You don’t want to do more harm than good!  It is important that the following guidelines be followed, both for safety and for maximizing the potential benefits of stretching.

The most important things you need to know about stretching:

Warm up the muscles FIRST:  Cold muscles can injure very easily and so it is very important to warm up the body before any significant stretching or exercise. The body’s core temperature needs to be brought up during your warm-up.  This will increase the temperature of the muscles, making them more pliable and loose.  A warm-up will also increase the heart rate, blood flow and nutrients getting to the muscles. As your breathing rate increases, the amount of essential oxygen reaching the muscles rises.  A safe warm-up for a FM, CMP or CFS patient might be a brisk walk or a short swim. The warm up should not last more than 10 minutes and it shouldn’t be too taxing.  If your level of fitness is somewhat low or severe pain is experienced, you need to ease up.

Stretch slowly and gently:  Slow gentle stretching helps to relax the muscles of the body.  FM & other chronic pain sufferers who use sudden or jerky movements or over-stretch can find themselves in increased pain, muscle strain and even muscle tears.  All stretches should be done as if in slow motion and as smoothly as possible.

Don‘t stretch further than is comfortable:  Over-stretching is one of the main causes of muscle strains and tears and so it is important that each muscle is only stretched as far as is comfortable.  If you overdo it you can cause the tendons and ligaments attached to the muscle to spontaneously contract which can be painful, to say the least and can cause permanent damage. Stretching should never be painful.

Practice breath control while stretching:  Many people tend to hold their breath when stretching and don’t even realize it.  Holding your breath can cause the muscles to tense and stretching a tight muscle can lead to injury, especially in FM, CMP & CFS sufferers who already have tense and painful muscles. The amount of oxygen and nutrients needed will be greatly depleted if you hold your breath and the muscles will develop excessive lactic acid which is very painful.  So make sure you BREATHE!

Doing it Right:  Each stretch should be held for around 30 seconds for the maximum effect. Anything less than this will not provide a sufficient length of time for the muscle to relax and lengthen.  Each muscle group needs to be stretched a minimum of two or three times in rotation as well.  Chronic pain sufferers may have trouble stretching to this extent in the beginning.  You should only stretch until you start to feel uncomfortable. Even if you can only handle a few minutes at first, it will be worth it.  You will gradually be able to increase the time and hopefully even the rotations.  Do a LITTLE every day so you don’t end up in so much pain, you that you can’t stretch the next day.

I believe you will be amazed at the benefits of stretching when done properly!  I sure was!  I can do more and I feel better after a good stretch in the morning.  It also helps me relax at night.