Exercise is essential part of my life
Even a simple stretch is good
Exercise is essential for me living with smouldering MS. Getting through each day is exercise in itself but I need structure for further exercises at home. Going to the gym is not an option for me because the equipment is totally unusable. I do need to keep myself active and I have devised a few simple sitting down exercises that help me.
Wind back 15 years
Back in 2010 I was blissfully unaware of the MS problems that now completely dominate my life. Back in the day I could walk up and down the stairs carrying a cup of tea. Wander over to the fridge, open the door and take out whatever I wanted. Stand up from a chair or the sofa without having to think about it. Sadly this is are now very difficult or impossible.
I freely admit that age has had an impact on my ability to do these activities but good old MS had definitely led the way with my disability.
Attitudes do change
In the past, people with MS were advised to avoid exertion. Since many people with MS experienced fatigue and found their symptoms worsened when hot, it was thought best to avoid tiring activities or anything that increased body temperature.
This was not good advice. Regular, moderate exercise is now known to be an important part of maintaining good health and wellbeing. There is evidence that it can help with many MS symptoms, and with quality of life.
Does exercise help me
The exercise I take these days has changed dramatically. Gardening or walking to the shops are out of the question. Now I must do sitting down exercises. For example, I sit on a chair and pretend I am boxing. Punching my arms backwards and forwards from my body as hard and fast as I can manage. First 60 times with alternate arm, rest for 20 seconds then 70 times rest for 20 and repeat until I reach 110. It might not sound much. At the end my heart rate has significantly increased and I try to do this every day. I also try to get out every day and walk with my rollator, 15 minutes walking is about the best I can do. I definitely feel better after exercise but I’m not addicted to it.
The dispiriting fact
Sadly these simple exercises make me realise my level of disability with no chance of it improving. If I do too much exercise then I am too knackered to do anything else that day but exercise is good for me. There is no arguing the simple fact that each year I am becoming less capable physically. A few years ago I could stand on my feet for a few minutes without losing my balance now I can only manage a few seconds. Multiple sclerosis is steadily making me weaker and this descent into inactivity is happening more markedly with each passing year.
Personal attitude
I must not complain, there are many people with MS who are more disabled then me. I can still cook meals and bake cakes which I find satisfying and enjoyable. Going out on my mobility scooter to do shopping and meet people always makes me feel better. I am even going to restart playing bridge at the local club, mind you this will be an experiment. So I do have a reasonable quality of life and exercise helps me to maintain it.
I accept that my horizons are shrinking and life is getting more difficult. I never enjoyed doing a regular run along the local streets. Now I must accept that a daily exercise routine is essential, so I must man-up and do it.
Photo by Adrian Swancar on Unsplash
June 2025
Associated articles
Smouldering MS its my long-term condition
What has happened to my energy?
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