Exercising and Movement with MS
How has MS impacted exercise or bodily movement for you?
Are there exercises or movements that seem to work really well for you and, alternatively, some movements that are difficult to do now?
Have you had to modify any movements? If so, how?
How do you set yourself up for success when moving your body?
I live alone so I clean my whole apt by myself. Dust run sweeper and washing dishes after cooking. I also do all my grocery shopping. Driving myself still to go grocery shopping. Pick up medicine. Go to my Dr Apts. That is about all I can manage right now. After grocery shopping I always take a day or 2 off. Stay in and rest up. I am retired. 70 years old. Female.
Wow, yours sounds very much like my MS journey.
RRMS1984
thanks for acknowledging and calling out that everyday tasks can really add up and "movement." Grocery shopping especially can be a big feat. It's also a great reminder to hear that you factor in a day or two of rest afterwards. That's a great strategy for energy management. - Alene, moderator
I have an eliptical machine. A PT said to go 2mi one level 2mi higher level so I go 2mi level5 -2mi level 7 -repeat next -2 mi level 8. Started at levels 2 and 4 so I am getting stronger. Also in AC. Stepper 50 steps, several other to work on knees, ankles, and hips
I too have an eliptical machine. I try to do 20 minutes at least 5 times a week. I used to do 30 minutes, but my Uhthoff's Phenomenon makes my vision very blury. I can do 20 minutes and go about my day after a short rest. I like the machine because it gives me something to hang on to, and I don't have to worry about walking on uneve surfaces.that's great that you were able to get some recommendations from your PT on a home program with your elliptical. I too find it helpful to exercise from home. It's more convenient and eliminates the time and energy of going to a gym setting. - Alene, moderator
My usual excercises are walking in the pool. Riding a stationary bicycle.
Using a rowing machine or riding my 3 wheel bike at the beach. Doe I have the energy and balance.
Those activities are not only good for you physically,
, but they sound like a lot of fun, too. I enjoy pool running as well. All the exercise of running minus the sweat. Sending lots of healthy vibes your way. - Lori (Team Member) wow! This sounds like a great balance of movement. The pool, bike and rower offers variety for your body and it mixes up so you don't feel like you're routine gets too repetitive. Thanks for sharing! - Alene, moderator
Frank S, you said the magic words: ROWING MACHINE! My chiropractor recommended the rowing machine to me when I was looking for a cardio machine to have at home. We found one on Craigslist and I have it set up in our guest room/my painting studio. I find it absolutely brilliant to use -- I love the way it enables me to get a good fifteen minutes of intense exercise at the beginning of my workout, and it's almost impossible to use it WRONG. admittedly, I did once get my feet tangled up in the one at the gym, and fell off it, producing my first and only sports injury.
I've been working out for about thirty years. When I first started working with a trainer, she had me use a recumbent bike for about a year until I was strong enough to use the TREADMILL. ( I know...recovering couch potato here).
Do you do other exercises? I do some repetitive balance exercises, including standing on one leg and holding my knee to my chest for ten seconds at a time, and I also do Warrior 3, where you stand on one leg and hold you free leg out behind you -- I can hold that one for about ten seconds. And then there's the resistance training and those infernal PLANKS. it's all about balance strength flexibility and endurance, but it's keeping my mind working.
Anyway, it's always good to find another rowing machine fan! Good luck, and enjoy the ride!
Therry, a Team MemberThat's great that you've enjoyed the rower so much. They really can get your heart rate up pretty quickly. They also work the full body. And, yes, planks can be another great full body exercise. I like that you can modify them to start and then increase in time. - Alene, moderator
