Exercise (part 2)

I began by practicing exercise in a new way. Exercise offers significant benefits for people with MS, helping to improve mobility, balance and overall strength.  It also helps reduce fatigue, enhance mood, and promote a better overall quality of life. 

A couple years after I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis I started exercising slowly.  I drove my car to the high school track, got my walker out and wheeled it to the track. Then I walked back to my car, put the walker in and drove home.  I needed to be kind to myself and considered this as a goal accomplished. I increased my goal to incrementally to walk a little bit farther. Senior citizen walkers regularly passed me. I relied on my walking sticks for balance support. After a couple years I was finally able to walk a mile.

I then enrolled in a local gym. Daily, I began taking various exercise classes. I started with Tai Chi, then senior water aerobics, then weights, then aerobics. I began each class talking to the instructor. I told them that I had M.S. Then, I’d be sure they’d know that I would often sit doing the arm movements of the exercises.

After ten years of achieving my exercise goals, I was finally able to walk one to two miles. Now, I walk one to two miles six days a week. 

 I share the detail of my story to reassure you that you can exercise.  Even if you start by only doing a few chair lifts or leg lifts or toe curls you are exercising. Just add a little bit extra every couple weeks.  If you think of a big exercise goal it will only discourage you.  Be kind to yourself. Start small and then add another small exercise goal.  You CAN do it—-message me about what you are up to and I’d love hearing from you.

Living the Encouraged Life…Lynn