From the article: Exercise Success Secret for People with MS: Be Confident
I can tell you with 100% certainty that I feel better when I exercise regularly – my MS symptoms are lessened, my fatigue is manageable and I am more happy overall. I can also tell you that if you asked me at random times about my exercise habits, about 50% of the time I would talk in theoretical terms about my exercise “strategy” (a code word for something that I have planned, but do not actually do currently). So I’m asking those of you out there who really do exercise regularly to help me and others “get on track” and “stay the course,” by sharing your exercise secrets. What keeps you going?
Share Your Tips
Tip for trembling
- My acupuncturist recommended a combo of Skullcap, Motherwort & Passionflower. I take 2x - 2 tsp S., 1 tsp day & 1/2 tsp nite of M P.
- —Guest Roberta
Try Using a "Balance Horse"
- I have secondary progressive MS. I have two wonderful canine partners who keep me moving and I have "Spring" my 21-year old Arabian mare that is my gait and balance trainer. It's been proven that the gait of a horse is similar to that of a normal human gait. I walk beside her and touch lightly just where her back begins. I can always tell a difference in my walking/balance performance for a few days. The exercise is good for Spring too!
- —sugarscout
Boxers
- I have MS and have two Boxers, which help me in staying active. Boxers are quite funny; always clowning around, so I have good laughs. They are also very protective, so I always feel safe. I don't know what I'd do without them. They provide me with so much support in a quiet house.
- —Guest Boxer
MS Patient
- When I was initially diagnosed with MS 23 years ago, I was home with a new baby and Optic Neuritis. The first thing that popped into my head was not about my sight but rather that in order to not LOSE the use of my legs, I needed to USE them and therein begins my journey of daily exercise. These days I am at the gym 5 days a weeks - the first hour is dedicated to cardio and the second hour is all about core balance through yoga stretches. Some days I have to rearrange my workouts to accomodate my abilities that day but all in all I am a very strong, active female at 51. Stay strong!
- —Guest oSandi
PPMS and exercise, almost impossible...
- The physical ease of approaching the world as that of an able-bodied person, is simply out of the question where progressed MS is concerned, and you should never be held to the same standard. Therefore, I do what I can, when and if I'm feeling up to it, if at all. I do not let others' success stories of coping with MS, and the benefits they derive from exercise affect me one way or the other. I say, good for them, and refuse to feel guilty for not having their 'can do' attitude. My advice to those who have a more advanced stage of disability is to do whatever physical activity brings you the least discomfort, getting a few minutes of daily sunshine, keeping a sensible diet, social interaction when you can, (online is just fine, some of my best friends are online), and understanding that mental stimulation is as important as physical, so keep reading and learning. It's all about perspective and what works for you. This is my perspective, and what brings me a little relief and peace of m
- —Lyn_W
Encouraged
- I was just diagnosed with MS 4 months ago. Now that I am over the initial pain and paralysis that signaled that there was something wrong, I am happy. However, the fatigue is a beast! I am encouraged to see that others are fatigued as well but still are trying to stay moving. I worked out in the gym last week for the first time in about 5 months and thought I was going to pass out! My body cannot do what it used to but I am going to keep at it and I hope to work up to some kind of significant routine again. I miss being able to do everything I used to. I get irritated with being fatigued "for no good reason". But I guess I will settle in and get used to it and learn how to manage it better over time. For those of you whose mobility is severely limited, blessings to you. Hang in there.
- —Guest Robin
healthy breakfast: ask me how?
- My name is Murali D. I am serving in indian Army. I am using healthy nutrition product since Dec 2010. before using these product I was very lazy and very low of energy level. when I am using these healthy product I am feel very well and energy level is high. My wife is also gain her weight (from 42 kg to 51 kg). If you want healthy breakfast, please ask me. My No 9971910325
- —Guest Murali D
exercise with ms
- I find I have more difficulty after exercising. I can't figure it out. After 1/2 of treadmill I have difficulty walking the rest of the day???
- —Guest Joan Grandy
Very limited movement but losing weight
- I'm in a wc, can barely transfer or pivot, and was 60+ lbs overweight. I have some upper arm strength and through a strict but proper diet and just swinging my arms, I have lost 20 lbs in 10 wks. I hold a pedometer in one hand for a time, then switch, and while it's designed to count calories burned through steps taken and may not be accurate, it gives me something to aim for. I do this for several sessions a day, long sessions aren't possible. I usually burn 200-300 calories, reduce 500 in what I eat, and I'm consistently losing 2 lbs a week. With very limited range of motion, you can burn calories. Every single movement helps. I never thought I could do it. I'm surprising myself. Nan
- —nan98
Exercise tips
- I am a Personal Trainer and was diagnosed with MS in 2006. After research and analysing my own ability, I tend to stick to working out with low weight and low intensity. However as anyone with MS will find out, everyone is affected in different ways. I would advise anyone with MS to speak to a personal trainer about how your MS affects you and get them to create a program for you to use whether its in a gym or at home.
- —Guest David Heald
Energy
- I have terrible problems with fatigue and take Provigil every day. Last week, my step-mother gave me one of those "5 hour energy drinks". I was having one of those days where I could barely hold my head up. It made a huge difference in how I felt. I looked at the label and it seems to be mostly B vitamins. I have ordered some and am very excited to see if it continues to work. I don't work for them or anything just excited to find something that helps!
- —Guest Donna
my motivation
- i dont have any energy at times thats when there is no way at all i could exercise! but then i get recharged here and there- and i start thinking positive again - plus hubby has been my rock! so i start again and keep on keeping on!! but i admit sometimes why doesnt the lord just take me?? guess my work on earth isnt done!
- —Guest faye
exercise bike
- i am unsure just how long i have had MS, but i do know it was long enough that i have one leg that drags heavy.there are days i am to tired to ride but i know there are many days i enjoy riding my bike in my livingroom while listening to music or tv.the point i am trying to make is. even though there are lots of days after even a short ride on it i have to lay down. i try to ride every day though, because i believe it is helping me to stay walking.without this exercise both my physical and mental health would suffer. even after being left tired enough that i need to lay down[it doesn't take long some days] i know the exercise is good for me
- —Guest guest kevin
workout
- When I was first started to notice symptoms of Ms I stop moving. Ms stops people from moving this very true. Then after my diagnosis I was told by several docs that I need to work out. I told them that it is hard to workout when your feet/legs go numb. Being overweight all my life didn't help matters ether. I have been on every diet known to man & very fad diet too & have been always very active all my life. After awhile I got sick in tired of docs telling to workout & that I am fat. Fat people know they are fat they DO NOT need to be reminded of it every time you go to the docs office. So what I started to do was workout slowly. I bought 10min workout dvd's then I built up a workout of 45mins in about 6months. There are workouts that I miss doing that I use to do before I got MS. I just had to out around my Ms to workout.
- —Guest heather
Do it!
- I have been a regular exerciser for over 10 years now. But 2 years ago I was diagnosed with MS. I still exercise 5 days a week, but at a lower intensity. I know that it has helped me immensely with my balance and strength. But I sure do miss my really difficult workouts!
- —Guest Bonnie
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