Exercising With Multiple Sclerosis 

I’ve never been one to exercise, I absolutely hated it. I guess I’ve never seen the benefits you could gain from it. I’ve always been too skinny trying to gain weight, so it never crossed my mind. When I was going through my diagnosis process was when I was at my worst. My vertigo was at its peak, my walking was very unsteady, and I couldn’t stand without leaning on something. You know the doctors advise “exercise” I thought to myself “how could I possibly when I can bearly stand.”

I Did It

I took my kids to the park to walk the track slowly with my cane. What I noticed is a boost in my energy, in my mind, “cognitive function.” A significant boost in my mood as I have been severely depressed. Was I exhausted? “Hell yes, was I in pain? “So freaking much.” Did I feel like I was going to fall every step? “Yup, but didn’t.” With all the extra pain and unsteadiness I felt while exercising, I stuck with it.

Some Days

Doing even a few laps a week and incorporating something into my daily life has helped me significantly. Some days I can’t, my symptoms are just too severe. Most days, I really have to talk myself into it. Those days, though, are the days I’m so freaking proud of myself for.

Be Proud Of What You Can Do!

Multiple Sclerosis & Exercise

Living with multiple sclerosis (MS) can be challenging, but there’s a powerful tool that can help manage symptoms and improve overall well-being: exercise. Lets explore the benefits of exercise for individuals with MS and provide practical tips on how to get started.

Improved Mobility & Strength

Exercise, including resistance training and stretching, can help maintain and improve muscle strength, flexibility, and overall mobility. This is crucial for managing MS-related mobility issues.

Fatigue Management

Fatigue is one of the most common and debilitating symptoms of MS. Regular exercise can reduce fatigue by improving energy levels, enhancing sleep quality, and boosting overall endurance.

Mood Enhancement

Exercise stimulates the release of endorphins, the body’s natural mood lifters. This can help combat depression and anxiety, which are common in people with chronic conditions like MS.

 

Balance & Coordination

MS can affect balance and coordination, increasing the risk of falls. Balance exercises, such as yoga or tai chi, can improve these skills and reduce the likelihood of falls.

Cognitive Function

Some individuals with MS experience cognitive changes. Exercise has been shown to support cognitive function and may help maintain mental clarity and alertness.

Pain Relief

Exercise can alleviate pain associated with MS, such as muscle stiffness or joint discomfort, by promoting better circulation and reducing muscle tension.

Stress Reduction:

MS can be emotionally challenging. Exercise serves as a healthy outlet for stress and can improve overall mental well-being.

Disease Progression

Although exercise can not cure MS, some studies suggest that it may slow down the progression of the disease by promoting neuroprotection and reducing inflammation.

More On Cognitive Issues For Multiple Sclerosis

It’s important to note that exercise should be tailored to each individual’s abilities and limitations. It’s advisable for individuals with MS to work with healthcare professionals, such as physical therapists or fitness trainers with experience in MS, to develop a safe and effective exercise program. The type and intensity of exercise should be adjusted to match the person’s current physical condition and any potential symptom exacerbations.