What Exercises Are For You?
Deciding on what exercises to do can be as difficult as finding the motivation to exercise in the first place. Here are some good options for beginners:
Stretching
Whether you do simple stretches learned in grade school or a complex series of progressive muscle relaxation stretches, stretching will aid with flexibility and range of motion by loosening tight, painful muscles.
Stretching will also improve your performance in other exercises.
Aerobic
These exercises provide your muscles with oxygen and nutrition. Think walking, biking and swimming, while seeking out low impact options like elliptical trainers. These exercises help with energy, stamina and reduce pain. The repetitive movements help induce meditative states that limit depression and anxiety.
Aerobic exercises can be intense so work to find an appropriate balance. Start with lower intensity for lower durations and add along the way.
Weight Training
Lifting weights is not only for football players. Stronger muscles don’t need to work as hard as weaker muscles which will leave you with more energy after a task is completed. Start with light weights and lower repetitions.
Yoga
Yoga helps build endurance and strength while improving sleep and concentration. Search for gentle, MS-friendly yoga classes, videos or lists of poses online that seem possible for your skill level. Tai chi is another option that provides similar benefits.
Housework
No one likes running the vacuum or dusting the furniture but there is an aspect of exercise involved. Making these activities a priority will give you the physical benefit as well as the pride associated with maintaining a clean home.
Conclusion
Exercise is one of the best things you can do for yourself. If you eat a healthy diet, get appropriate sleep at night and exercise often, your physical health, mental health and overall well-being are bound to improve.
Know your barriers to push through them. When you find the type of exercise that works for you, you will have success. With that success, your life will be closer to what you want it to be.
You cannot stop MS but you can make the other aspects of your life better with exercise.
