Okay-- after YEARS if not having a regular exercise routine,I joined the Y the other day and am going for it. When I get lethargic as an MS person,and it's not hot as hell out, it's often because of inactivity.
I'm an okay weight.. 5'8" and 144.. (I'd like to lose 6, to match my driver's license, which says 138) But at my age, 52 ,my midsection has become.. shall we say--more than a tad spongey, and I think my butt looks like chewed bubblegum.(If, on occasion, I look decent in jeans it's only because it's now assuming the form of it's container.)
So yesterday,I took a class called Yoga-lates.. a combo of yoga and pilates which is actually pretty good.No chanting or any of that stuff--which is not my thing anyway..Good stretching, which I need.. Not easy-- but they let you go at your own pace, thank Gawd,because I'm about as flexible as the Tin Man.
Today I did treadmill and then a 'core strengthening' class..OUCH.There were women of 70 doing better than I was with it!
I'm taking tomorrow off... me and Excedrin.
Any of you out there do Yoga? What's your take?I've only been at this a very short while.. so I'm curious if any of you have longterm results you'd like to share.
Cheers!

GOOD ON YOU!!! I've tried to keep some type of exercise routine up since I was dx'ed. Michael and I did try a Yoga class several years ago, and although we both enjoyed it, I found that my balance wasn't enough to keep up with the rest of the class. Both Michael and I had some scares where I did lose my balance and fell so I quit after 4 classes (even though I thoroughly enjoyed it!) and started back working out at the gym again. I used to swim, use the stationary bike, and had a trainer who worked with me on blance issues with a computerized machine.

Since the move, we haven't found a gym that both of us like, so I just use the exercise ball at home along with the treadmill that we have so that I can hold on. I try and exercise daily because although I'm not the happiest of people whilst doing it, I feel much better afterwards on the days I do exercise. Keep up the good work. It's not only good for you physically, but mentally I believe it helps.

All the best,
Chris

Omaha has a Multiple Sclerosis gym here. It's run by a guy who has MS and he's hired a bunch of physical therapy people to help the MSers with their exercises. (they also have people with other medical conditions that go there too)

It's apparently fairly inexpensive, you dont have to sign up for a contract and it's gotten a lot of good reviews.

However, I havent gone yet...the whole River Denial thing. But, I am starting to consider it. If anything, I might manage to lose a few pounds going there.

msbee..my husband and i own a gym. got all my certification in just about everything fitness and nutrition oriented.

take it slow! starting in january when most people do, doesn't leave the staff able to watch all new members. the instructor won't be able to teach you moves or make sure you are doing them correctly.

try not to compare yourself to others. those 70 yr olds...i bet they have been at it for years and years.

i teach yogo now. beginner classes. if they have one there, it's the best way to gradually learn the moves.

drink LOTS of water after exercising. it helps flush the lactic acid. you won't be as sore.

i'm not sure if you had a full fitness assessment done. we do one and a complete health history on our members. it really helps the staff, so they can modify your program to fit your exact needs.

try not worry about the scale. when you tone up, you might not be that number you want. plus as we *gasp age, losing fat in the face...well..just make us look old.

Here's my new exercise program.

Take it easy, at first now......

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Scroll up.........Ok, that's enough for today.

Mine isn't going so well.

http://www.forumsextreme.com/imgs1/aFi_TredmillLady.gif

Good one AMN!!!

Hi MSBee~~ I know what you mean about the 70 yr olds showing you up. I was walking in the Mall a while back, thought I was doing pretty good.

Well, they have alot of Sr's that Mall walk. Pretty soon I started to recognize a few of them.. Did I know them?? Where had I seen them B4? My mind was going full throttle!

THEN, it dawned on me! Those little old ladies had passed me by several times in their PF Flyers. I think they were showing off.

So, my advice is just do WHAT you can do and if the old ladies start showing off..... *trip 'em*

MsBEE, way to go!

My husband and I joined the Y about a year ago, and we try to go three days a week. I use six of the circuit-training machines and the exercise bikes. I love to go and really miss it when we skip.

You were watching me, weren't you?