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Surge of Chi Exerciser (Mark 2) My experiences Aug '06-May '07 |
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I was introduced to this exerciser in August 2006. I had seen another model. It only had one speed, 160rpm. I watched someone using it and felt being shaken like that was not something I wished to experience as it would probably set off a bout of MS symptoms.
I took part in a 30 day trial run by Energy for Health (who sell chi exercisers) with health practitioners and patients using the Mark 2 model.
I used the machine while lying on my bed and started for a few minutes twice a day at the lowest speed, 80rpm, building up time and speed gradually.
During the trial I had to get used to the movement. I experienced headaches and other reactions that passed as I would reduce the time and speed for a few days. I expected some kind of reaction as it was helping the body’s circulation and that would ‘release toxins’.
Over the four weeks of the trial the main things I noticed were: · Reduction in pain in legs; · Some mobility in pelvis area · Easier to stand with back, hips and feet more aligned with what physio tells me to do · Less tension in shoulders · Using pedal exerciser more, and no longer a chore, but enjoying the feeling of movement of legs · Improvement in sleep · Initially made me more relaxed, and deeper breathing after using; think this is being converted in to the beginnings of a feeling of wellbeing that I have not had for some time, and the sort of physical feeling that used to come from a good walk. · Ankles were not very swollen, as I made a point of putting my feet up often, but hardly any problem with swollen ankles in last two weeks of the trial · sit for longer at computer, and if was not getting pain in soles of feet would be walking better · And best of all, the heavy fatigue feeling has gone; still getting the MS tiredness, but that is part of the demyelination.
I was pleased with the results I had using the exerciser, so I bought one. I have used it daily (two or three times for 5-15 minutes).
In May 2007 I was able to get up from the floor on my own with the aid of a chair. So I now use the exerciser on the floor.
There are different models of Chi Exerciser available. The technical bit to look at is its motor. I think what enabled me to be able to use it (and enjoy it) was the control I had over the speed. Sometimes I want a slow, relaxing ‘ride’, other times the pleasure of more movement.
The Mark 2 model has 3 auto programs. My favourite is auto 2, which over 15 minutes goes from 80rpm to 140rpm max, maintains speed, and then comes down to 95rpm.
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