Spondylitis Association of America Forums General Discussion Young Adults - The 20-Something Club What do you guys do for fun?

I desperately need some hobbies!! I used to love sports and am trying to get back into running, but boy do my knees scream! Anyhoo, what do you guys like to do in your free time?

My "free time" is decidedly limited, but some of my most enjoyable time is spent on my growing photography business. It's not always the best fit in that an 8 hour wedding puts me out of commission for several days, but adrenaline carries me through for the wedding itself. I love it.

Well I have to say between all my classes and the homework that follows, work, and my daily physical therapy exersizes I am left with quite little free time to do things which I please. But when I do I enjoy just reading a good book, going to a park with my gf and relaxing, going to the movies(even though I have to get up and walk around half way thru), and cooking. Nothing too strenuating or taxing on my body, almost always something that will put me in less pain than more.

Drawing, listening to music -- learn the words of a song and sing your heart out. Helps me from being too depressed when I have some physical limitations.

H.

Thanks everyone for all of the ideas.

Mary-I love the idea of having photography as a hobby. I seem to be in the house more and outside less since I’ve stopped playing tennis, basketball, etc. I think it’d be wonderful motivation to go on hikes and have a fun reason to stop whenever I want and enjoy nature… do you have any equipment recommendations for a newbie?

Ken- You reminded me that I take for granted a lot of the things I still can do and enjoy. I’m still trying to figure out how to make reading comfortable. My shoulders/neck make it challenging. I really like the approach of finding activities that decrease pain

H—the world is a better place without my singing!! lol My sister and brother are good at drawing..it’s not something I’ve ever really tried other than in elementary school =) I’m not sure where I’d start with it, but I really like the idea. I checked our local community college and they only offer a 3 hour class in the evenings.. that’s a lot of sitting!

miranbaa-I'm not quite sure what you mean, but I find it amazing how much of my identity evolved around athletics. It was also a huge stress reliever for me and walking just doesn't quite get the same result. Anyway, I'm trying to figure out exactly what I have =) It's been quite a journey so far..

Xanny, I would recommend finding a gently used digital Canon Rebel of some sort on craigslist, and pairing it with a new Canon 50mm f1.8 lens. Nikon has great beginner options as well, but I know very little about their line.

Alternately, if you already have a point and shoot digital camera, play with that for a while and see if you enjoy just shooting, focusing on your compositions and subjects before throwing all the technical controls of a DSLR camera into the mix.

Mary,

Our YMCA offers an adult art class at a minimal cost and shorter duration. I don't know if they all offer this kind of thing or not but you might want to check. They offer a variety of things. Jewelry making, pottery, paint and drawing. Just a thought.

Blessings,
Nisey

My hobbies are camping, walking and hiking, but your knees would be killing you i think. I can barely do it from the pain. I also like to garden, and star watch.
You might be able to find a cheap telescope online or craigslist and try it out. But the photography would be fun too. Good luck finding something.

I love anything outdoorsy. My boyfriend and I spend the summer hiking and camping. Hiking can be tough because I've often got knee and foot pain, but I just make sure I am able that day before we go. We also love to go to parks, the dam by us has great views, anything really. Maybe splurge on a Nook or Kindle (or an off-brand e-reader) if you like reading but have a hard time. I haven't done it yet-when I have more time to actually read, and they go down in price I probably will. I also have a tough time holding books, and now read them on my iPod touch but the screen is quite small. If you get one you could pretty much position yourself however you need to and it is more comfortable to hold.

I have always enjoyed designing and making my own beaded jewelry and it is a stress reliever. I also do counted cross stitch (I am careful because of my AS not to stitch for too long periods because I try to take breaks to move around). I also make my own beaded holiday ornaments and sell some of them to earn extra money.

I also enjoy swimming and walking as exercises. Before I was diagonsed with AS last year, I used to do step areobics, running and even spent hours jumping on my trampoline (when I was in junior high and part of high school).

Until I showed signs of AS a few years ago before I was formally diagnosed, I was scared to sing. (I used to dance for fun). I will sing on the Rock Band Game System for fun now, (I have my brothers to thank for starting me on that).

I also love to read the Love Inspired series books and watch movies.

Jamie,

I also do bead work and cross stitch. I also recently picked up a ridged heddle loom to learn how to weave. I like the weaving because it is not such fine detail work as cross stitch and beading.

I also enjoy reading, and I have gotten into gardening. I built a raised bed at three feet high so I can garden with out having to bend. I can no longer bend at the waist, and was having trouble with keeping my garden up till now. I get alot of pleasure out of taking dirt and seed and feeding my family with them.

Believe it or not, I didn't have too many hobbies until I was formally diagnosed this year. I think I have been keeping myself busy to not think about the pain or limited mobility at times.

I love to cook. It is my stress-relief, and luckily I have people over at my place regularly who love to eat my food, so that works out well.

My boyfriend and I also take our dogs, a full-blood German Shepherd and a 55 lb Shepherd mix, to the dog park. I try to run around with them when I can, and when I'm not feeling so hot, I watch him fetch with them.

I also go to local music shows when I can as well. Music can be therapeutic to me, and my friends and I get together and work on renditions of songs we love.

As I said before, I feel like I've done more and more of this since my diagnosis because it keeps me focused on the important things. Good luck with channeling your inner hobbyist!

You do have to stay active, but perhaps you have to think differently about it. Extreme sports are definitely out, but even on bad days I can enjoy mild hiking, walking, swimming, yoga, and tai chi. The point is to exercise while not putting any additional stress on your joints. And knowing when to take it easy.

Photography is a hobby of mine too, I started out with a really cheap camera, lol, it can be done!

Is cycling an option for you? At the moment I'm building up on the exercycle but getting out there on a bike in the outdoors might be the next best thing to running? Best to get a bike that you sit upright on, rather than leaning over the handlebars.

I know how frustrating it is when you want to go for a walk around the block and you have pain or discomfort for every step. Aren't periods of remission amazing!?
I really enjoy yoga- although I found it is important to really talk with the instructor prior to attending so they arent manipulating your body in ways that it cant move at the moment with flare ups. I found that private lessons worked well for me.
Additionally, I enjoy hiking and camping too- it's something about that fresh air on a hike that makes me feel so good.

I was never a biker but I did recently get a mountain bike to ride around on...its easier to do with people too for motivation