Can Fibromyalgia and Fitness Coexist? An Interview with Coach Ki

Coach Ki is a wellness coach and fibromyalgia advocate. After being diagnosed with fibromyalgia, Kiera (AKA Coach Ki) did some online research to see if she would be able to continue her fitness journey. She was disheartened to find several accounts of people unable to continue training with this disease. Kiera has been passionate about fitness since she was 14 years old and feared losing herself if she couldn't train anymore. Fibromyalgia is best known for the presence of widespread chronic pain, but is also associated with fatigue, brain fog and several other symptoms. On a mild day, Kiera experiences radiating pain in her shoulders, wrists, knees, and neck. On a severe day this pain spreads throughout her entire body, making any movement difficult. These symptoms appeared mysteriously during her mid-20s while she was serving in the US Army. It took over a year to get a diagnosis from a military doctor. Initially, Kiera rebelled against the idea of having a chronic health condition, but denying this reality only worsened her symptoms. She is now coming to terms with her disease and learning to integrate it into her fitness practice. She is discovering ways to train her body while managing her fibromyalgia pain (such as using a tens machine), taking breaks more often, adjusting expectations and listening to her body. She is excited to share what she's learned on social media (including TikTok and Instagram), and through her work as a higher self mentor and life elevation strategist. In this episode of the Major Pain podcast, Kiera discusses her fibromyalgia diagnosis and how it has impacted her life. She has also been diagnosed with hypermobility, and is currently searching for a connection between her two conditions to determine if she has a connective tissue disease like EDS (Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome). As a fiancée and mother of two, fighting for her health is more than just a personal quest, as she wants to ensure she can be there for her family. Her fibromyalgia journey has already taught her a great deal about empathy, perseverance, and the importance of acceptance. Learn more about Coach Ki on her website: https://www.herdivinealignment.com Patreon subscribers can listen to the bonus episode for the month of March here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/march-bonus-79902249