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Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Pacing Routine

Low-impact, intermediate pacing-focused mobility + gentle strength to support consistency without post-exertional malaise (PEM).

Warm-Up

Gentle activation. Ease into movement, regulate breathing, and mobilize spine/shoulders without spiking exertion.

Diaphragmatic Breathing
Diaphragmatic Breathing1 min
Cat-Cow Stretch
Cat-Cow Stretch1 min
Seated Neck Side Bend Stretch
Seated Neck Side Bend Stretch30 sec each side
Seated Shoulder Roll
Seated Shoulder Roll30 sec

Main Set

Pacing strength and stability. Low-impact strength and core stability with controlled reps. Stop before fatigue; quality over quantity.

Glute Bridge
Glute Bridge10x
Bird Dog
Bird Dog8x each side
Wall Push Up
Wall Push Up10x
Sit to Stand
Sit to Stand8x
Side Plank
Side Plank20 sec each side
2 rounds · 30 sec rest

Cool-Down

Downshift and stretch. Lower arousal, stretch gently, and finish with calming breathing.

Supine Hamstring Stretch
Supine Hamstring Stretch30 sec each side
Child's Pose Stretch
Child's Pose Stretch1 min
Box Breathing
Box Breathing2 min
Why Each Exercise Earns Its Energy Cost

Why Each Exercise Earns Its Energy Cost

Glute Bridge and Bird Dog target posterior chain stability through low-load isometric demand, preserving ATP without triggering anaerobic threshold. Wall Push Up and Side Plank build shoulder and lateral core integrity at intensities calibrated to stay beneath your symptom threshold — every rep is a deliberate energy trade-off, not filler.

PEM Is a Physiological Boundary, Not a Mindset

PEM Is a Physiological Boundary, Not a Mindset

CFS dysregulates autonomic function and cellular energy metabolism, meaning your exertion ceiling is neurologically enforced, not motivational. Sit to Stand trains functional independence — your highest-priority real-world movement — because CFS disproportionately erodes lower limb endurance and orthostatic tolerance before other capacities.

Bookending Sessions With Your Nervous System

Bookending Sessions With Your Nervous System

Diaphragmatic and Box Breathing open and close this routine intentionally, shifting autonomic state toward parasympathetic dominance before and after exertion — this is your primary recovery mechanism. If Side Plank or Sit to Stand triggers heaviness within 12–24 hours, reduce reps by 30% and treat that as your personal baseline, not a setback.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Pacing Routine | Mighty Nimble | Mighty Nimble