On social media, POSITIVELY AWARE asked several folks with HIV to share their exercise choices—and, in some cases, to challenge themselves to upping the stakes for a week and then reporting back. Here are some of their responses.
Vivian, North Carolina, diagnosed in 1999
“I do a combo of walking and dancing for 20–25 minutes a day.”
Teo Drake, Massachusetts, 61, diagnosed in 1995
“I’ve always been an athlete. Prior to gender transition, I found moments of ease in my body through strength training and sports in general. For the past 22 years, I’ve regularly trained in, and now I teach, mixed martial arts. In the spring and fall, I paddle board on a lake and ride my bike a few times a week. Last spring, I started a physical therapy/personal training program to figure out how I can create a strong foundation as I age. Now I’m in the gym four times a week for 30–45 minutes. Exercise is a big part of my self-care and trauma symptom regulation.”
Sandra Harrigan Thompson, Philadelphia area, 70, diagnosed in 1989
“I exercise for one hour at Planet Fitness four or five days a week. Yesterday, I did the stationary bike for five miles in under 30 minutes. Then, some rowing and weightlifting. Since April I’ve had sciatica, but with cortisone shots I’ve been able to keep going to the gym, with two days a week of physical therapy. If I’m working out and it hurts, I stop and find something else to do that doesn’t cause pain.”
Bruce Ward, New York City, 66, diagnosed in 1986
“I still go to the gym, but less frequently than I used to. I had a great trainer but stopped going to him because he was very expensive. But he motivated me because I’ve had chronic fatigue for 36 years, which is my [biggest] detriment [to] my health. Working with the trainer, I lost about 18 pounds two years ago but have since gained about half of it back. Now, I generally do about an hour on the elliptical machine twice a week. I added some upper body machines in but I’m currently not using them because I’m going to physical therapy twice weekly for tendonitis in my right shoulder. The bottom line for me is consistency in working out. As a 66-year-old single gay man, my mind says, “What’s the use?” But then I remind myself that it’s not just about how I look. It’s dealing with my diabetes and heart and overall well-being.”
David Mayfield Phillips, Virginia, 59, diagnosed in 1998
“I’ve engaged in some regular exercise regimen since I began managing my HIV in 1998. I’m eagerly awaiting my return to the YMCA once my income picks up, and in the meantime I walk five to eight miles most days and do yoga three times a week.” Phillips was challenged by PA to add some non-gym strength training, such as squats and push-ups, to his routine. Nine days later he reported back: “Yes, I added bicep and forearm curls using large laundry detergent bottles filled with water, along with inverted push-ups [when you keep your hands on the floor but slightly elevate your feet on the sofa or other raised surface]. That exercise after healing has helped me to prevent sudden blood pressure drops and to continue rehab on my shoulder, which I injured in January.”
Barbara Kingsley, South Africa, 54, diagnosed in 2000
“I lift heavy weights five days a week minimum and on weekends I do cardio and hiking. I work with a trainer I’m lucky to have gotten a great deal from. It gives me so many health benefits—flexibility, strength, cardio fitness. I’m stronger and fitter than most people my age but also I don’t have the aches or pains of people much younger than me. My lung capacity and oxygen level is that of somebody in their early 40s and my general fitness is of someone in their mid-30s.”