[BBS1951]

MS sometimes makes it hard to keep moving, exercising, stretching, so we do less and less. Before long, its not just MS that interferes with our mobility and health, its also atrophy of muscle causing more balance problems and more muscle weakness.

So, we started a club to support and encourage us to keep moving --You use it or you lose it! So, what do you do-- do you stretch, do you walk, shovel snow, swim, aquacise, isometrics, lift free weights, Wii, calisthenics? Please join the club!

Myself, I swim a mile daily. It totally helps with the MS. What about you?

P.S> I've been gone from the board for 10 months. My computer went on the fritz and I got so used to not being on line that I did not miss it. I'll check in now and then. Last time we had this thread, there was a lot of interest in it. How about now?

[CarolM]

I was just thinking about this the other day. Someone was saying that they did something and it hurt, so they wouldn't be doing that again. I think you should figure out why it hurt and try to remedy the situation.

My husband and I were goofing around to see who could "walk the line" better. (I think we were watching Cops) Neither of us were that great at first but with a little practice, it became much easier. No wonder drunks can't do it!

Even if you can't "fix" something, you can usually make an improvement. I watched my mom gradually become less mobile over the years and she just let it happen. Even losing a pile of weight would have made a difference to her.

When the weather is decent, I try to get out for a walk as many days a week as I can. My friend and I usually walk about 3 miles. We talk about joining Curves, but so far it's just talk. At least that would keep us more active in the bad weather. Other than that, I just try to keep active in my day to day activities - take the stairs, don't park close to where you're going, etc. My grandkids keep me hopping as well.

C

[Kitty]

I bought an exerciser and really want to do all the exercises the DVD demonstrates but I'm having some pain with my left arm so I need to take it easy on that. I still do some......the legs and my right arm.

As soon as the pollen clears out of the air some I plan to get outside more.

[TwoKidsTwoCats]

I have a Wii sitting right in front of me, but little motivation to use it. I try everyday, but I get fatigued so easily that 10 minutes is about all I get.

One thing we found that helps me, is to get the whole family involved. I find I push harder through the fatigue. We like doing the Kung Fu moves together. We each take turns on the board while the others follow along.

[SallyC]

Yeaaa, BBS is back. I thought maybe you shrivvled up from too much chlorine.. Glad you're back an still MOVING!!

I still do my stretches and excercises every day, even when I don't feel like it. So I guess I'm still a member of the club.

[ewizabeth]

I stand all day at work and it zaps my energy. I haven't been working out. I'm looking forward to spring so I can take walks and putter in the garden. If I didn't have to stand up all day it would be easier to do a light workout at least a few times a week.

[Dejibo]

I have been using my Wii, but am waiting for the huge massive snow banks to clear so I can walk my neighborhood. We are getting more snow today and just a bit further north of me is getting up to 18 more inches. Will have to find indoor things to do.

Glad this column is back.

[Erin524]

I've been using my Wii too, but to play Lego Indiana Jones.

I am doing physical therapy now, and I've been trying to go to the gym to ride the recumbent bike. I just dont get there as often as I want to.

[SallyC]

Originally Posted by Erin524

I've been using my Wii too, but to play Lego Indiana Jones.

I am doing physical therapy now, and I've been trying to go to the gym to ride the recumbent bike. I just dont get there as often as I want to.

My 5 yr old GS uses his DM..

[BBS1951]

I like to think of my MS pain and fatigue as like, "hallucinations". They seem real, but in fact, the pain is not truly true pain in that it's not th etype of pain that has a job of warning us not to move.

For example, if you break your leg, the pain serves a function so that we won't try to walk on it.

But, MS pain serves no function (other than to make us miserable)... so, I just ignore the pain and keep moving. Case in point, last month I had terrible MS pain in my hand, wrist and fingers. I ignored it and continued to swim... I do think that exercise has anti-inflammatory properties, and therefore, can help the MS (and th epain)....

Same with the fatigue. I pretend its a hallucination, and I exercise despite it. The exercise does provide some brief energizing effect too.

Well, I hope this idea helps people.

My exercise choice is to swim a mile daily. Maybe swimming is better to counteract fatigue than other forms of exercise: this I do not know.