[TNoutdoors]

Hey Jackie,
I truly do understand your situation. I was diagnosed with HSP back in 2000 with the condition worsening at a slow but steady pace. Before being diagnosed I worked in the family construction business and loved being in the outdoors, spending time fishing and hunting. So I had really no need to worry about an excersize program because I was so active.
But as time passed, I started to notice my physical health slipping. And I think that the hardest thing about excersizing with HSP is just how hard it is to get your heart rate up. We can't do the simple things like jogging and other arobic activities.
And for me there are good times and bad times as far as mobility goes. So there is no single answer as to what exercise program is best. One day I might be able to take a brisk walk. But the next day I might be lucky to get one foot in front of the other.
So this is what I do. When my legs aren't too bad, I spend time trout fishing in the mountains. Now you need to picture someone moving very slow and careful. The reason that I say that this helps me is because of the uneven terrain, it forces me to use my muscles, thus wearing them out and weakening the spasticity.
But when my legs aren't cooperating I like to take my wheelchair to the park and follow the paved trails or take it to the local school track. The trails build muscle strength and the track is nice and flat so I can reach the cardio level that we all need to experience.
Now I am sure that this is not the answer that you might have been expecting. ANd it may sound a little crazy. But you might find some physical acitivities that you like to do. ANd just by doing them regularly might be the little extra thing that helps you get to where you want to be. Just this summer I lost right at ten pounds. And I did nothing different than having a good time on the river.