Stay Active Exercise groups
Picture courtesy of David Lloyd Leisure
There are an increasing number of exercise groups being set up around the country specifically for people with MS. Below is a good example.
Lesley Hoare is an NHS physiotherapist in Oxfordshire. She runs an exercise group for people with MS at the White Horse Leisure & Tennis Centre, Abingdon. Lesley set up the group as part of her role in the physical disability service, having attended the MS Trust Conference for health professionals in 2002. She works alongside a fitness instructor and her physiotherapy technical instructor. People contact her in advance and they assess if the group is suitable for them. They then attend as and when they choose.
The session is split into three sections: a seated warm up, exercises including the gymnastic ball, and a stretch and relaxation section to finish. It has proved to be very popular and she has a committed group who attend regularly.
- Read the Exercises For People With MS pages
- Order a copy of the MS Trust's DVD Move it for MS!
One of the members of Lesley's group made these comments:
"I am a lady in my late fifties and was diagnosed with MS in 1991. I have mild relapsing remitting MS. The exercise group in Abingdon is the only group I have joined relating to my illness. I was involved in the pilot study for the group in January 2002 along with three other people with varying degrees of disability. I was very apprehensive when I first joined. This was soon dispelled with the help of the other members of the group, support from Lesley and Jeanne from physiotherapy, and Bev from the Leisure Centre. I also realised how much the exercises helped my condition. The other main benefit was having a cup of tea together afterwards when the group could get to know each other, share information and concerns and give support.
The warm up at the beginning of the session is to music, which is fun and relaxes us. Then we do quite demanding stretching and toning exercises and also exercises for balance and co-ordination. We use a gym ball which I have bought through Lesley, so I can also use it at home. The exercises help to keep my muscles moving and they have also helped me listen to my body. We end with a relaxation exercise and a few of us then go to the café before going home. I certainly know when I haven't been for a few weeks!
I have had a few relapses during the past year and Lesley is always on hand for support. During the relapses I continued to do some of the exercises at home to re-strengthen my muscles and improve my balance. There are times when I come home from the class and go straight to bed but most of the time I am energised. Lesley encourages us to stretch ourselves but at the same time regularly cautions us to only do what we feel comfortable with and so it is a good balance.
I am convinced that exercise helps at whatever level of disability. It is something positive to do and I like the fact that you can meet other people who are in the same situation, doing something for ourselves where we are in control. I hope similar groups can become available in all areas."
Getting started
Picture courtesy of David Lloyd Leisure
Contact your local leisure centre to find out what exercise groups they have running and if they are suitable.
Ask a physiotherapist if there is an exercise group for people with MS in your area or if they would consider setting one up. You could also contact your nearest MS Therapy Centre (see the map of MS services). They often have pilates or yoga classes as well as physiotherapy.
The Keep Fit Association offers movement, exercise and dance classes.
There are over 400 Fitness League weekly classes across the UK. Their website has a database to search for your nearest class.
Some people find it easier to exercise in water.
Contact your local leisure centre to find out what exercise groups they have running and if they are suitable.