Exercise and MS

[figuerpa]

Well now that I have had a few days to let everything sink in, I have a question.

I know that exercise is important with people who have MS. I also joined weight watchers and they encourage exercise. My question to all of you is, how do you exersise, I mean I know how to exercise lol it is just that if I get hot I feel like my body is shutting down.

With that said, I know light walking is best for me but then when I walk for too long my leg gives out. This is just a mess. I tried exercising, but I got to hot and had to go sit down and then get a cold shower.

How do you all exercise and not get the effects from getting hot?

Paula

[marymoto]

hi try exeercise in a swimming pool try water aerobics i have been doing this quite a bit lately although it does not improve my walking it makes me lose weight and feel better about myself.

[figuerpa]

thank you all for your wonderful ideas, I am not so sure about getting into a bathing suit at this point to go swimming, maybe after I have dropped some of the weight. I will look into a yoga dvd to try at home. Money is tight so I can't join any classes right now, weight watchers is expensive enough lol but will be well worth it if the pounds start coming off :)

I had an exercise bike but my leg wouldn't allow it, it would go numb while I was biking so I gave it to my sister lol my mom has an arm bike so I will definatley try that out. I clean house everyday and that is the most exercise I get throughout the day.

With the weather finally starting to cool down, maybe I can get out and walk a bit around the neighborhood.


Thanks again for all your responses and ideas,
Paula

[MsmsinFl]

Bike or treadmill indoors, with air conditioner cranked down to super-cold.

I do 30 minutes on the treadmill, twice a day (1 hr total).  Anything over 20 minutes at a time is a good workout.

Start slow -- 10 minutes at a time -- and work up to whatever you can handle.  Remember: doing even a little exercise is better than none at all.

[HVAC]

I swim, I ride a horse once a week, I walk when its not to hot, I walked almost 4 miles today, I do yoga and stretches and lift light weights in small repetions.  I am trying to lose my last 25 lbs. I do over do it and pay for it. It is a live and learn with the balance. I also do most of the house work. Other times I am using crutches when I go out.

Alex

[Lulu54]

Michelle is right that swimming is an excellent way to exercise without sweating.  I have to note, though, that often i do get heated in the pool when I swim.  I try to be in there twice a week.   Funny how that sweating in the water can occur.  

There are other exercises you can do that add an aerobic component without too much sweating - one of the arm/bicycle machines are good.  You sit and move the "pedals" with your hands.  Your arms get quite a workout but it is also a great aerobic routine.  Any time you get your heart rate up you are going to burn extra calories.

Other exercise routines that you might find beneficial are Yoga and Tai Chi.  Both of these, if done properly, give your body at minimum a toning workout.   You can also really work and lose weight with them......

I hope something in here sounds interesting to you - enough to get you to try it!

be well, be active,
Lulu

[michelleric]

Hi Paula,

Well, this topic was a big discussion for me today at my neuro appt.  I am going to find a swim aerobics class.  I have taken the MS swim classes, but they are primarly for stretching and flexibility and not exercise to lose weight.

That is the direction I am going in,

Michelle