<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>> Many, many thanks to the 26 folks who responded to my recent request for info on resuming exercise after diagnosis. You are truly inspirational. If there was one overriding message it was that it CAN be done, but one needs to 1) start small 2) go slowly 3) listen to your body. I was very impressed with how some people started with the most minimal degree of exercise and have worked up to impressive workouts. Types of exercises that were recommended included: running, walking, water exercises, treadmill, Nordic-Trak, cross country, stationary bike, yoga, Pilates. Emphasis was placed on weight-bearing exercises to help with osteopenia. Also, Active Isolated Stretching: "only hold a stretch for 2 seconds, then go back to neutral position and begin again." One poster suggested that an evaluation and treatment by a good chiropractor would be very helpful. Someone suggested Bryan Kest's power yoga, saying that exercise improves energy, outlook, confidence, sex drive and strength. One poster who nearly died from long-standing undiagnosed CD at 52 years of age recovered enough to return to being a ski instructor. At 67 he is looking forward to teaching skiing this year. Another poster has run two marathons and qualified for the Boston marathon. A former couch potato who went GF in her 40's is healthier than ever at 60+. She has walked to the top of several of the Rocky Mountains carrying a backpack. To train, she walked around the house with a backpack into which she put increasing increments of weight, up to 30 pounds! One poster said: "I think I've read that physical exercise is necessary for celiacs because we tend to store seratonin in our intestines, and exercise releases it -- which, amoung other things, is a good antidepressant." Another big point that many people made was that it takes a while for the body to heal from CD and muscle weakness. You've gotta have patience, be good to yourself, and make the time. From all accounts, it's worth the effort. Thanks again to everyone who shared their experience and their time to respond. I plan to go out for a brisk walk this afternoon in your honor! Latimer New York City GF/starch free for 5 months --- --- [log in to unmask] --- EarthLink: It's your Internet.