Quote:
Originally Posted by comstockgal
I learned I had MS a few months ago, but I have exercised since I was a teen. Now I'm 67 and it is a habit in my life just like brushing my teeth. Often I don't feel like working out, yet once I start it makes me feel better. If nothing else, I feel righteous. Sore muscles feel good because they are a sign of growing strength.
How does a person handle exercise with MS? Are there times when you should not exercise? I've noticed that sometimes I'm really tired, so I slow down and watch my heart rate. My foot drags so I hang on tight.
Some things that help me exercise are to pair up with a friend, try different types of exercise to find one you enjoy, give yourself a treat when you finish, play music that pumps your mood, get a dog who needs to be walked, or buy a cool outfit to wear while you exercise.
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There ARE times when you should NOT exercise. Be smart. If you are over tired, or feel that the walk, or bike ride will push you over the edge, dont do it! If you have a fever, or are stumbly, dont do it! If its very hot outside, dont do it! If doing your normal routine makes your symptoms flare like crazy please speak to your MD.
Most of us start off slow, and build our way up to our normal routines after a flare up of MS. I find I am wiped out, and feel like I havent exercised in years after a flare, so I will take my 5 mile walk and chop it down to 1 mile or even a half if I feel that I am pushing to hard. Please speak to your MD if you find the exercise makes you so tired you cant think or function.
Start slow, build your way up. Exercise is so good for you. it gets blood flowing to your heart, your brain, and helps burn calories. We find we slow down and many of us put on some weight since the diagnosis since we are not as active as we used to be.
Good to meet ya keep wiggling!
