Once you're inspired to start exercising, discuss your plans with your doctor. Ask him for recommendations on what you should do and whether he can recommend any health professionals to help you devise an enjoyable workout. When you do get out there, make sure to dress comfortably in loose-fitting clothes that don't restrict your movement in any way. Wear supportive shoes that absorb shock and do not allow slippage.

The most common mistake fibromyalgia patients make is being too aggressive at first. This will cause a flare, leading you to mistakenly assume that exercise makes fibro worse. The key is to start low and proceed slow. Begin at about half of what you think you can do. If you don't notice a worsening of your fibro afterward, gradually build up your time by one to two minutes a day. When you reach a level that seems to cause your symptoms to worsen slightly the next day, back off a bit. Stay at the slower pace for a week or so, then start increasing again, but more slowly.

Try to exercise hard enough that you're breathing somewhat heavier but still able to carry on a conversation. If you can work out for up to twenty minutes a day, you'll reap most of the benefits that exercise offers fibro sufferers.

Begin any workout with a warm-up that involves gentle stretching. Never overdo any exercise, especially in the beginning when you are most vulnerable to injury. If you feel any discomfort at all, such as dizziness, severe shortness of breath, or tightness in your chest, stop immediately. You might want to try massaging any cramps. Resume exercising only if you think you can.

Finish any workout with a cool-down period. For instance, if you've been riding a stationary bike at a medium speed, bring it down to a slow one. Then do some gentle stretching without causing tension.