Exercise Equipment and Crohn's

What kind of exercise equipment is good for crohn's patients?

I have recently joined the newsgroup and truly appreciate all the help and
support I have received - especially through the three Remicade treatments!

Many of you have mentioned and encouraged us to exercise in some way every day.

I am guilty of serious avoidence and I always have a ready excuse: threw my
back out doing Tae Kwon Do, don't have time, can't sit on a bike or walk very
far because of scoliosis and arthritis in my spine, hibernating because of
prednisone side fx, etc. Of course, a flare is always my best excuse, because
I just don't feel like doing anything.

I know some of you take painkillers to make it through some of the exercise,
but I am afraid I will break or injure something (this has happened a couple of
times without painkillers; I am not the most graceful). Oh, look! Another
excuse.

I am in great fear of osteoporosis from years of on/off pred use so I am taking
1500mg calcium / day. More pills. Still, it is an easier committment than
exercise! I am, for some reason my docs can't fathom, still incredibly limber
and do some stretching, but that's about it.

I'm really not as pitiful as I might sound, and hardly overweight (5'2",
approx. 105lbs). I work full time, travel alot, entertain, etc. I need some way
to a) tone up without hurting my back and b) make sure I don't lose more bone
mass (or whatever it is that pred does).

Sorry this is so long, but I am finally getting tired of being "reactive" to my
disease and want to be "proactive" about preventing further, irreversible
damage.

Yes,,,I do have some advice...I dance (with narcotics)..but as you said
you are not able...how about the "Pilates" exerciser..that QVC
advertises...it is an exercise device that stretches and tones every
muscle group...it can be done by any age group...and it doesn't
hurt...it actually helps stretch the muscles and can help arthritis,
fibromyalgia, etc...it is used in many physical therapy programs..and it
slides under your bed when not in use....the only drawback is it is
about $350....but I am hoping to get one someday...I work my leg and hip
muscles dancing..but not the upper body..and with osteoporosis...that is
important...weights are also good...but they hurt me...The Pilates
exercise machine....is good for anyone with any physical ailment...it
just stretches and tones...and you lose inches...and you don't need to
lose weight anyway...(I am not a sales person for this exercise
equipment...I am a "want to be buyer" for one...I just wish I could
afford one...it would help my fibromyalgia pain!!!! I am waiting for
disability...but if you have the money...I would research it on the
Web...I have been lookjng at them for quite a while...and someday I hope
to be able to get one