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What is fibromyalgia & why exercise is important

What is fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterised by widespread pain and tenderness in the muscles, ligaments, and tendons. It affects 2% of the population with a peak prevalence in middle-aged women (1). In addition to pain, common symptoms of fibromyalgia include fatigue, sleep disturbances, headaches, and cognitive difficulties (2).

Challenges of Living with Fibromyalgia

Living with fibromyalgia can be challenging, as the symptoms can impact every aspect of daily life. Simple tasks like getting out of bed, cooking a meal, or even taking a shower can be overwhelming for someone with fibromyalgia. The pain and fatigue can make it difficult to work, socialise, or engage in hobbies and activities that were once enjoyed.

Why is Exercise Important for Fibromyalgia?

One of the most effective ways to manage fibromyalgia symptoms is through regular exercise (3-6). While the idea of exercising may seem daunting for someone with chronic pain, research has shown that exercise can help improve symptoms of fibromyalgia, including pain, fatigue, and sleep disturbances. Exercise can also help improve mood, increase energy levels, and enhance overall quality of life (6).

How can the Accredited Exercise Physiologists at Be Physiology Help?

An exercise physiologist can play a crucial role in helping someone with fibromyalgia develop a safe and effective exercise program. They are trained professionals who specialize in the science of exercise and its impact on the body. An exercise physiologist can work with individuals to design a personalized exercise plan that considers their unique symptoms and limitations.

Exercise physiologists can also provide guidance on proper technique, form, and intensity to ensure that individuals with fibromyalgia are exercising safely and effectively. They can help individuals set realistic goals, track progress, and adjust their exercise program as needed.

Evidence-Based Recommendations for Exercising with Fibromyalgia

When exercising with fibromyalgia, start slowly with low-impact activities gradually increasing intensity. Adjust exercise based on pain or fatigue. Incorporate strength and flexibility exercises, focus on balance, and strive for consistency in your routine (4-6).

Consult a healthcare professional or exercise physiologist for personalised advice. Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all approach, so find what works best for you to manage symptoms and improve quality of life through exercise.

Exercise is a valuable tool for managing fibromyalgia symptoms and improving overall quality of life. Working with an exercise physiologist can help individuals with fibromyalgia develop a safe and effective exercise program that meets their unique needs and goals. By incorporating regular exercise into their routine, individuals with fibromyalgia can take control of their health and well-being and enjoy a better quality of life.

[lightweight-accordion title=”References“]

  1. Guymer EK, Littlejohn GO, Brand CK, Kwiatek RA. Fibromyalgia onset has a high impact on work ability in Australians. Intern Med J. 2016;46(9):1069-74.
  2. Jahan F, Nanji K, Qidwai W, Qasim R. Fibromyalgia syndrome: an overview of pathophysiology, diagnosis and management. Oman Med J. 2012;27(3):192-5.
  3. Macfarlane GJ, Kronisch C, Dean LE, Atzeni F, Häuser W, Fluß E, et al. EULAR revised recommendations for the management of fibromyalgia. Ann Rheum Dis. 2017;76(2):318-28.
  4. Couto N, Monteiro D, Cid L, Bento T. Effect of different types of exercise in adult subjects with fibromyalgia: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised clinical trials. Scientific Reports. 2022;12(1):10391.
  5. Andrade A, de Azevedo Klumb Steffens R, Sieczkowska SM, Peyré Tartaruga LA, Torres Vilarino G. A systematic review of the effects of strength training in patients with fibromyalgia: clinical outcomes and design considerations. Advances in Rheumatology. 2018;58(1):36.
  6. Sosa-Reina MD, Nunez-Nagy S, Gallego-Izquierdo T, Pecos-Martín D, Monserrat J, Álvarez-Mon M. Effectiveness of Therapeutic Exercise in Fibromyalgia Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials. Biomed Res Int. 2017;2017:2356346.

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Latest Insights

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Walter White

Manager of good vibes
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Being active has taken on a whole new meaning and I am 100% here for it. I like to fink I’m pretty active, and I keep up de vibes during team meetings – just making sure everyone’s hands are always moving (across my butt) because I know dat any exercise is good exercise. I keep close to everyone, real close, just to keep dem on their toes when dey walk by too.
Fings are always better when I am der so if you need some good vibes, I will be der for you.
Brb just going to have a snooze.
Love and licks,
Wally

Ailish Rice

Exercise Physiologist
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I have always imagined I would go into a career that combined my passion for exercise with the opportunity to help people, and I found my perfect match in Exercise Physiology!
My role has progressed over the last few years, from coaching gymnastics, to becoming a strength and conditioning coach, and now an Accredited Exercise Physiologist.
As Be Physiology, I can apply my knowledge and skills to support clients living with neurological conditions, chronic illnesses, pain or injuries.

As both a participant and an EP, I have a keen interest in CrossFit, clinical Pilates, women’s health, and all things exercise-related! Ultimately, I am eager to support a diverse range of clients through their rehabilitation and towards their individualised goals, using movement as medicine.
Eddie Carroll

Eddie Carroll

Exercise Physiologist

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Growing up, sport and physical activity were simply a part of life and not much has changed since. These days you’ll find me in the gym, playing social volleyball, soccer, or out watching the footy. That lifelong love of movement is a big part of what drew me to Exercise Physiology, and it’s something I bring into every session.

I work primarily with neurological and neurodevelopmental populations, including NDIS participants, and I find this work genuinely rewarding. Seeing someone move better, feel more capable, or achieve a goal they weren’t sure was possible is what drives me as an exercise physiologist.

I’m not focused on a particular diagnosis; I’m focused on the person in front of me. We all have things we want to achieve, and sometimes that means overcoming daily frustrations that others might overlook. I believe in listening, then building a specific program for you.

Exercise is one of the most underutilised tools in healthcare, if you’re ready to use it, I’d like to help!

Benji Wilksch | Mobile Exercise Physiologist

Benji Wilksch

Exercise Physiologist

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Hi, I’m Benji! 

I love being able to use my passion for health, fitness, and exercise to support people in moving and feeling their best. As an Exercise Physiologist, I’m lucky to do this every day. Sport and exercise have always played a big role in my life, with interests spanning cricket, athletics, and cross‑country running. These days, you’ll often find me strength training in the gym, running distances from 5km through to marathons, or taking on the occasional HYROX event.

Outside of work, I enjoy catching up with friends over a great coffee or unwinding by playing guitar.

Before joining Be Physiology, I worked as a strength and conditioning coach and group fitness coach. Since graduating university, I’ve stepped into my role as an Exercise Physiologist and strongly believe that movement is medicine — it has the power to make a real difference for a lot of people. I have a particular interest in neurological and musculoskeletal rehabilitation, but ultimately, I’m passionate about helping anyone improve their confidence, function, and quality of life. I’m excited for what the future holds at Be Physiology.

Brittney White

Co-founder / Operations manager
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I’m NOT an exercise physiologist, but I do take my hat off to my team and get to admire the work they do each and every day. Be Physiology means that we’re able to apply our passion, and our experience, to make exercise physiology more accessible to the people who need it the most.
You might hear the team describe me as ‘the person who does everything else’, and that can be translated to ‘marketing and operations’. My background is marketing and business, which I’ve lived and breathed since 2011. I’ve worked in both the agency and corporate spaces, across many industries, with many amazing people and now with Be Physiology, I get to explore the health industry further and continue to meet the most incredible people who are the ones to define motivation.
If you’ve met Harry and our amazing exercise physiologists, you’d know that they don’t really need marketing – they’re genuine, have ridiculous amounts of charisma, knowledgeable, and extremely passionate about helping people to be a better version of themselves. But, sometimes getting an introduction is the hardest part and that’s where I come in.
If you want to chat, a coffee, a laugh, I’m always here to make one or all of them happen.
So call me and let’s keep sharing the love!

Harry White

Co-founder / supervisor
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The longer you work as an Exercise Physiologist (EP), the more you understand just how amazing exercise is for everyone, without exception. You also get to meet and work with people who have completely changed their lives through their own consistency and determination, this is when you realise that this is more than a job. It saves lives.
My expertise is spinal cord injuries and neurological disorders and helping clients to achieve an improved quality of life through rehabilitation and functional training. Rehabilitation for spinal cord injuries and neurological disorders can be slow but incredibly rewarding for clients when results are achieved, no matter how small. Assisting people through learning useful skills and functional training is the most important role that an EP can play to help people lead a more fulfilled life.
My perspective is different now to when I started, now when I see all the EPs graduating every year and getting excited knowing that they too will get the opportunity to be a part of something special.
Our team is full of people that want to be amazing EPs and who are striving to be the best, there is no better culture than that!
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