I agree!!! To MAKE the time is absolutely necessary. I've come from homebound/wheelchair to actively participating in LIFE!! A 6 year process. Don't give up on the stretching and excercise. I know when you're down and hurting it sounds so unattainable. Believe me I know. I thought, "Right...excercise...I can't even walk or hold my head up." But I started to fight back and tried and each day a little more. Stretching before getting out of bed, 30 seconds on the AirDyne Bike at home. Just start with a few minutes before getting out of bed in the morning.  Work from there. Educate yourself. Become your own BEST ADVOCATE!!! Incorporating it throughout your day and modifying/stretching/small frequent breaks at home and work, changing body positions/stretching while doing other tasks, using different furniture, pillows etc. Think ahead to Extend energy and decrease pain. Try to make a few trips up and down stairs instead of several... Makes for a better, less fatiguing day...and gives you quality of life.  Really isn't that what we're all after. Quality of Life?? Look for solutions and work it into your busy day, while you're doing other tasks and don't look at it as some else you need to find time to do. Before long it'll will be part of your lifestyle and you won't even think twice about it.Take Control!! Hang in there!! Best Wishes.

I have a membership at a club called Anytime Fitness which is open 24hrs a day 7 days a week so I have no excuses. But aside from that you have to be determined and make the time to do it. Nobody likes exercise but it can become a learned behavior or new habit. Just get off the couch and do it already. :)

Most of my stretching and exercise is incorporated into my daily routine. For instance, I stretch and lie prone before I jump out of bed in the morning. I set the first alarm a few minutes early so I can do my stretches while listening to the news and slowly wake up. Then I do a few dishes in the morning while preparing breakfast. I love the warm water on my hands in the morning. While standing at the sink, I work on my core muscles. During the rest of the day, I do a lot of work on the computer. I'll take breaks to stretch or use my leg exerciser (a ball or pedal). When I had to be on the phone a lot, I'd sit on a half ball exerciser which helped my core. I'd walk at my breaks. You can do exercises even while sitting in traffic. I agree, though, that it was hard to find time and money for PT. I did it for only a few weeks and then my insurance ran out - and even with insurance couldn't afford it. I learned a few things from them then went on my own.

Yeah, you really have to make that time happen - and don't let the clock slip by. I go to the gym or go on a power walk with the dog in the early morning before work. Trust me, that's not easy most of the time, not with my pain and stiffness.

On the weekends, I can go to the gym, or ride my new upright position bike later in the day. Sundays my hubby and I almost always walk for three or four miles with the dog.

If you have two jobs, I know it's very tough. In your free time, you just want to sleep or relax on the couch. But ... The exercise has got to be done. Even if you just start out with 25-30 minutes a day.

I work full-time as well as attend classes in the evening , I have found that getting up an hour early every morning gives me time to exercise. While this means getting up @ 5 am , it also means I feel better throughout the day. I have been doing this for over 10 years so it is now just a part of my daily routine.

I too am a stay at home mum and i find getting out even in the garden or swimming helps. Instead of drving to the shops if you live close why don't you give walking a go. Lunch breaks etc are a good time to get out and do a few stretches or a little walk. Due to my quick progression of AS i do struggle with managing things but once i put my mind to it i work around things especially time

I find the time everyday,several times a day, an my hubby massages  while we relax watchin telly at night,

Don't get me wrong, I hate to go to the gym.  But the alternative is not good for me.  I decided that I must continue to work out every week and go to PT.  If I miss or go on vacation I get bent over, walk funny and can not turn my head to drive my car.  I have decided that I must make time for it....period the end.  I am a Cancer survivor so I do not want to test fate and go on TNF's.  For me, the very best invention ever was the heating pad.  I have one on both floors of my house and I carry one with me in my suitcase at all time, just in case.  

If you do not have time to exercise at the gym perhaps you could walk for 20 minutes a day.  It is not only good for your AS but it clears your head and give you some me time.

Good luck on your journey.  I wish you all the best and pain free days in the future.

Guess I should have made a point ot say I work 2 jobs so unless i cut out more sleep or paying a few bills... Time is short. I do stretch at home but with the summer here I seem to be going downhill faster these days.

I've been going to physical therapy for 2 months at once a week intervals. I have some minor stretching she has me do at home in my own bed so thats a bonus. I walk when i can even if its repeated trips in my own hallway. I dont get out as much as i should but i try to.

I am a stay at home mom so I have tons of time its the energy that I struggle with.  But just a 1/2 hour a day works wonders 20 minutes cardio opens up the chest and losens up your joints and some light stretching after it helps so much.  You will find the time once you see how much better you feel.

If you don't want this disease to control your life, you need to make the time!