My Nuro told me to exercise as it will make me feel better. I said I don’t excercise and he asked why, I explained because I always feel ill. He didn’t comment on that!
I know I’m out of shape, especially in the last twelve months ,I seem to have suddenly started feeling old! I’m 50.
I am not overweight and am of slim build, but I feel weak. I do walk my dog every day for 40mins and am still Mobil but do suffer from fatigue which is worse in the mornings.
The question is how much exercise should I do? Every day ? And what is best? I have an excercise bike and have started doing five minutes each day and am intending to gradually build up.
ive also purchased a new swimsuit and intend to start swimming each week.
what excercise do you do and is it beneficial to you? Any advise would be welcome!
Ive just managed 7 minutes on my excercise bike 2 whole minutes more than usual yippee !
I was doing my cool down stretches afterwards on the floor but my two yr old lab decided to get down with me, except he wanted to frolic around and tried to climb on me, so I had to give up on that, he gave me a look with his big brown doggy eyes and if he could talk he probably would have said " where you going Daddy always plays on the floor with me!"
I’m now having a rest as knackered!
By the way I’ve now decided on the Tecfidera as my treatment option. My Ms oppointment is on 1st of Aug to discuss it and start date.
Ive got a Wi fit board too, my sons but he doesn’t use it anymore, I’d forgotten all about it, what did you enjoy doing on it.?
im going to get it out now and get my husband to connect it all up again, I remember it being really good fun, and god knows we all need a laugh now and then! Thanks for reminding me.
I go belly dancing but I have done that since I was diagnosed 13 years ago and I swear it had helped. Recently I’ve started social ballroom too. Its low impact exercise and I can sit down if I feel too tired. But it helps with co-ordination and makes you think cause you have to remember the steps - I’m even learning men’s steps for some of them. I’ve also started yoga to help with balance as well.
I think as long as you do what you can, listen to what your body tells you and maybe a wee push now and again when you feel up to it, then that will keep you ticking along. Don’t overdo it or try too much at once cause you will frustrate yourself.
Maybe ask your GP to see a physiotherapist who would be able to suggest some exercises and also monitor you.
But any exercise is better than none so keep them pedals turning.
I definitely feel better in myself when I’m doing a little bit of exercise but doing it regularly. Little (sometimes pathetically little!) and often is the thing that gives me the best balance between a reasonably healthy regime and preserving my limited energy for doing other things as well.
I don’t walk so well these days, so static bikes/rowers etc are good and swimming is lovely. Another thing I have built into the routine is the Pilates-type exercises and stretches that a neuro-physio gave me years ago to strengthen up my middle and help with balance and steadiness - anything like that is good. Those are exercises I can do at home even when energy levels are too low to be bothered with the other stuff.
One thing’s for sure: once MS joined my party, my views on what fitness looked like had to change a bit! But health and fitness are as important for a person with MS as they are for a person without it (obviously!), and the psychological boost of a bit of exercise is always helpful. You are starting from a good point with your regular dog-walking routine already in place, so you have lots to build on.
Hi all, I’m 46, I’ve had MS 20 years now but have been very fortunate that I am still mobile. My energy levels are falling especially over the last couple of years, no proper relapses, just a decline. I’ve tried to increase and build my stamina but its just not happening, when the fatigue hits I just crumple.
I walk my dogs and care my for horses daily, and also work. Thats my lot though, can’t do any more without having a lot of down time the next day.
I would like to try swimming and pilates but I’m thinking I’ll have to stop doing something else to have the energy.
When it comes to exercise, i am of the attitude that all of us (inclusive of those not enduring MS) ought to do all that we can, whenever we can, for as long as we can. It quite simply is an investment towards a higher quality of one’s life.
The key thing however, is to find something that you enjoy and / or find meaningful.
It can be said that a degree of effort is required to get you started, but that habit allows you to keep going back for more.
Some days i get home and think, “i cannot be bothered”; that “i’ve done enough already”; that i will just “sit this one out”. I then convince myself that my demyelinated neurons are playing tricks on me; that i am not as fatigued as i think i am and that i ought to soldier on and push through it. And so i do. And then i recognise the accomplishment and feel a real sense of taking control of the MS, rather than allowing it take control of me. A matter of pride perhaps?