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I've never enjoyed exercise. As a young child I would feel horrible after physical exertion. For years I heard things like: grow up, grow a pair, get used to it, you just need to toughen up, and so on.

In my early teen years I ran long distance track but never felt well during or after a meet. I had to stop.

Fast forward to my late 30s and I get diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (obstructive) [1]. It's genetic (I've been tested). At this point, even mild exercise over a period of time (a week or so) leads to congestive heart failure (CHF). I have little doubt I was suffering from lighter symptoms as far back as childhood.

There are some people who cannot exercise. I so want to do something to help ease stress. For me, however, exercise == stress. If I lifted weights two days a week and ran for three, I'd end up in the hospital. As it is, I can walk a few times a week for about 30 minutes.

There are zebras in the world. People should be careful about taking advice from discussion boards. See your doctor before starting any serious exercise program.

[1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypertrophic_cardiomyopathy



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