Exercising Consistently is Hard, But Care Partners Can Help

One cannot understate the healthful impact of exercise on our physical and mental well-being. Those who run, walk, swim, or practice yoga may do so to maintain heart health and for other reasons.

For some people with MS, the importance of daily physical activity can be multiplied. Some research has suggested that exercise can help people with MS in maintaining balance and mobility, and potentially reduce depressive symptoms, among other things.¹

Since exercise is critical to the health of my wife who suffers from MS, it is important to me. We enjoy walking together, but sometimes I offer a gentle nudge to do stretching and other activities.

There is no lack of motivation

There is an exercise spectrum that spans from couch potato to gym rat. Most folks fall somewhere in between. The common challenge is for most people to exercise when their schedule is tight, or when they feel less motivated.

People with MS are motivated to improve their health, but the physical limitations can be real. Sometimes it may be impossible to engage in physical activities. And what about if you are able, but the mind has other ideas?

Maybe it means doing some basic stretches that are not too demanding, or just engaging in some type of movement when possible. Fellow contributor Samantha Salvaggio shared her motivational tips for overcoming the times when she does not want to move. One example can be utilizing a guided workout on YouTube.

Partner, not coach

I think care partners can also play a role in helping loved ones with MS when they are wavering between sitting and moving. We wear many hats, so why not that of exercise partner?

As a care partner, I often walk with my wife to enjoy our time together and ensure she gets in a decent number of steps. I also gently suggest some stretching and light weight-lifting routines designed to increase her flexibility and strength.

We are not coaches who can set up an exercise regimen and demand adherence. We are partners who can send along articles and videos on suggested activities and try to be encouraging when a patient is wavering.

Gym or home?

During the COVID-19 lockdown, I found several fitness videos that proved to be great substitutes for a fitness center workout. Even though I exercise at a local fitness center regularly, I still use the videos on days when I stay home. They can be just as challenging (and tiring) as the weight machines at the gym.

For people with MS, there may be a circumstance when a dedicated care partner, or even just a good friend, might work better with them than an experienced fitness trainer at the local gym. The trainer may have little or no experience with MS patients and fail to understand their experience or their goals.

I think the key for care partners to understand is that we can remind our loved ones of their motivation and their goals.