What a great post about exercise, my friend. You hit the nail on the head with, "The key is movement - ANY movement beyond your usual, daily activities." Just keep moving the best you can. I am push myself to run about three to four times each week and let the clock be my gauge for how I'm doing with the disease. So far, so good some 11 years later. It also is great to join you as a newbie in this community! Take care, Dan
lol .. great post .. i have been with MS going on 10years .. within the 1st year , after the intitial symptoms subsided , i began using old yoga and stretching excersizes that i had picked up from old back and neck injuries .
my docs can feel the muscles are strong and in my 9th year i put the cane down (keep it close) and began slow walks w/o it .. so i am a believer in the "keep moving" method if you are able ..
note: i take no ABC's and do take older meds for muscles of Baclofen and Tramadol .. thanks for sharing and spreading the word about adding excersize as part of a regimen .. agserra
AG,
You are the man--wom--person!
Keep moving! Exercise is better than any drug in my opinion!
By briefly pushing your body to a higher level during exercise--you are increasing your body's baseline performance the other 23 & 1/2 hours of the day.
Please note: I am not a doctor, though dressed in a labcoat--I look like one!
Thanks for your comment. Now go lift your spirits--get moving!
My Odd Sock
Featuring Content From:
By using this service, you accept our Terms of Use. Please read them. The consumer health information on is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions. You should promptly seek professional medical care if you have any concern about your health, and you should always consult your physician before starting a fitness regimen. Copyright © 2012 Remedy Health Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
I loved your "like Felix and Oscar" - now there's a reference I can relate to! Perfect analogy for those of us with MS and can understand exactly what you mean.
I always wake up with good intentions of getting my walking and strength training done, but when my legs are too weak and not working well, the exercise goes out the window. I need to stay motivated; that is the main issue. In my Utopia I'd learn how to play tennis. In reality I'd love to find something I really love to do. A friend of mine doesn't feel complete without her daily swim. I WISH I felt that way instead of saying I am not complete without my daily piece of chocolate...
Anyway, thanks for your informative post. "Food" for thought on all of your suggestions (funny, eh?) and today, I swear, I will take a walk. OK, it's snowing here, I will go on my treadmill. Today is a new day....
Thanks again.
Cathy
Cathy,
Thanks for your comment! Yes, don't give in--remember, you will feel much better afterwards than if you skipped! As a former runner, I learned the hardest part is "getting out the door." Once you do that--your exercise session will be smooth sailing!
Exactly true. I've had this 25+ years and I've gone through active and inactive phases. Now at 52 the weight doesn't fall off like it used to!
Thanks for the words of encouragement!!!!
I desperately need to exercise. I wake up with good intentions, and I go to bed disappointed with myself for not having followed through. My problem is not just lack of will power, it's also finding time. Hey! I'm retired, I really shouldn't have a problem fitting it into my schedule, but I do. Here's why. Although I have a whole list of bed exercises, my husband has to help me get into bed. I try to time my exercises to when I go to bed or get up. The problem with that, however, is my neurogenic bladder, which gets a high priority. And, my corgi, who jumps on top of me, as I turn on the bedside lamp. He tells me, in no uncertain terms, that it's time to pet the dog. Who could resist those big brown eyes - and who can exercise with a 25lb dog on your chest! Any suggestions?
Marcia,
You should try to incorporate your pooch in your routine! Canine bench presses are an excellent way to work the chest. Bow-wow bicep curls for the arms. And doggie-style leg raises trim the outer thighs.
OK, seriously. Playing with your dog can be exercise for you AND your dog! Moving from side to side while Fido chases your hands. Even playing tug-of-war with a toy can be good for you & him.
We can all find time in our day, even if it amounts to doing movement-type exercises during the commercials of your favorite TV show.
I also understand your other problem--when the bladder calls, you must listen! So are you able to be lowered to the floor to do some exercise at another time of the day? If not, it seems your best time is before you go to sleep. I ALWAYS go through a stretching routine before "la-la land." It helps my body relax and eases muscle spasms for a more restful sleep!
Do not give up on your routine. You will feel better, both mentally & physically, for sticking to it!
Thanks for reading!
My Odd Sock
Thank you so much. I did what you suggested, in fact, today. Before I took my nap I did my bed exercises. My Corgi, Marley, just likes to lie on top of me. I could use him to bench press! LOL. But, my poodle is very active. I might be able to incorporate him in a game, while I exercise. Good ideas!