Chronic fatigue syndrome: Using graded exercise to get more energy

Graded exercise is exercise that starts out slowly and increases in very small steps. It means you have a plan for your exercise and you stay with it, even when you're having a good day and feel like doing more. Increasing your exercise very slowly lets your body make the changes it needs to cope with activity and exercise. People with chronic fatigue syndrome often have an exercise program designed for them by a health expert called a physiologist who can create a tailor-made plan and carefully watch the person's progress.

For example, you might start by walking, bicycling or swimming as little as 5 minutes every other day for 2 weeks. If you feel strong enough at the end of 2 weeks, you might add 2 to 5 minutes to your exercise for another 2 weeks, and so on.

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