Exercise, Exercise, Exercise

If you have Multiple Sclerosis , have a family member who has it or just know someone who is fighting MS, Encourage them to Exercise, Stretch and MOVE! We can help our own bodies fight MS if we keep it healthy and strong. Our muscles, and minds, have to be flexible so we will have the ability to adapt our body and movements to the changes we may face on our journey with Multiple Sclerosis.

We are one week away from summer vacation and my youngest has decided to be sick and miss a week of school. My oldest got his learners permit, that requires at least 2 more blogs, and in general, life has kept me on the go at a hectic pace for the last month. I have made bad decisions during this time and have skipped a few workouts but mainly, I have cut short my workouts in a effort to save time. As a result of my impatience, I spent the last week with stiff legs, an aching hip and I have even become dizzy a few times. All of that wonderful time I saved by cutting short my exercise routine, has been spent feeling a little under the weather and struggling to stay mobile. Yes I know that it is my fault and I will learn from this mistake. Along with all the other notes I leave myself on my desk is a new and BIGGER one that says, EXERCISE TO FIGHT MS, COMES FIRST.

If I do not keep my focus on the fact that my fight against MS will help me be stronger for the people I love, then I will be more of a burden to them in the long run. Not only am I waging this battle for myself, but for my family too. Thankfully this problem had an easy solution. I went full force back into my exercise and stretching program this week, even a Saturday at the gym. Within 4 days of concentration on all the moves that helped loosen and energize my body, I am already moving better. I have my schedule set for the next week and will remember how tough it was to walk and move for a few days; don’t want to go there again.

We have added a “Senior Cardio” class at our gym and I am going to go take a class with them this week. They use chairs to help with their balance while standing and perform some exercises while sitting. I am going to try the class and gather more information on programs for people overcoming balance issues. There is also an aerobics demonstration offered at a local physical therapy center that I want to look intoso I can learn about things I can do on my own in the pool this summer.

In an earlier blog I had talked about cognitive functions and struggles to help me stay focused. The puzzles that I do each night seem to really be helping me. It is my bedtime routine now to work on one of my Sudoku puzzles and it is a time that I look forward to each night. I enjoy hearing about other people’s inventive ways to remember things; always send those if you have them.

Opportunities are available if MS survivors will just look for them. Sometimes we need a little push in the right direction to get us going. I have met 3 more people this week with Family members who have Multiple Sclerosis. I constantly encourage them to help their loved ones stay positive and active. It saddens me when I hear about others who are just sitting around waiting to see what happens. Get up and get out; use a cane, use a walker, use a chair, JUST GET OUT and continue living a fulfilling life. Don’t let people sit at home, force us to get out, encourage us to join you for an adventure somewhere even if it is to the grocery store.

As always, fighting to be a THRIVER of MS, not just a survivor.

Joy