Need advice re exercise - Multiple Sclerosis Message Board

jlbrow7 · 01-14-2008, 10:30 AM

I'm worried about muscle atrophy. I use a walker and can't walk but a few hundred yards (on a good day). I use a stationary bicycle for 20 min., twice a week and limited (very) weights on my legs twice a week.

Would a serious weight lifting machine like a Bowflex, which would allow me to exercise more muscles, do any good? Please let me know what you think. Your ideas and experiences would be very appreciated

Thanks always!

MSNik · 01-14-2008, 10:37 AM

JLBrow, I just sold both a Nautilus cage (with every single attachment) as well as a Bowflex just last weekend...they were sitting in my basement collecting dust for the past 4 months.
I thought that I could use them...I had used them 3 or 4 times a week for 20 or 30 minutes for about a year when MS stuck. I found that using them was completely out of the question. They take too much strength to work, are too heavy for me to easily manueveur and all in all were a waste of space/time.

Im not in anyway disabled. I still use a wonderful exercise machine called the Gazelle...it puts zero stress on my legs, while allowing me to both burn calories, firm up and stay mobile...I also use a balance ball and tapes which go with it, which are stretching exercises incorporting dumbells for my arms. I love the thing and cant wait to be given the go ahead to start exercising again. (just had surgery). The balance ball seriously helps with balance and tightening up the core...its great for us MSers as far as that goes..

I would say no to the major machines, only because you will overexert yourself, probably get frustrated and for the money they cost, you could invest in some really good smaller portable type things which youll get more out of...
Look into the gazelle....
Look into Core Secrets (the tapes)
Nikki

Snoopy61 · 01-14-2008, 10:46 AM

Have you talked to your doctor about Physical Therapy(PT). If not you may want to start there. A PT can help you learn exercises that are right for your ability and the what you should not do.

I am a very strong believer in exercise. I use a treadmill, Pilate bands, stretching and free weights but obviously my abilities are different than yours.

MSJayhawk · 01-14-2008, 12:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jlbrow7

I'm worried about muscle atrophy. I use a walker and can't walk but a few hundred yards (on a good day). I use a stationary bicycle for 20 min., twice a week and limited (very) weights on my legs twice a week.

Would a serious weight lifting machine like a Bowflex, which would allow me to exercise more muscles, do any good? Please let me know what you think. Your ideas and experiences would be very appreciated

Thanks always!

As long as you are walking (even with a walker), you should not worry about muscle atrophy. Pool workouts might help you, but you must stop before fatigue sets in. There are passive exercise bicycles that allow you to pedal as well as just have the machine move your legs for you. I have found that stretching has helped me the most. My service dog allows me to go further as he can pull me along when my legs do not cooperate.

Also, you might look into the newest running shoes with titanium springs embedded in the sole. It has been shown to return 95% of downward energy which should alleviate fatigue.

Overexercising is the main thing to avoid.

MSNik · 01-14-2008, 12:28 PM

I will add to snoopy's post that I did actually do the PT route. I started it for my shoulder, which was actually stenosis (found on my MRI). THe PT guys were so great when they learned all about my MS, giving me additional hints on how to use my balance ball, things which would help my coordination and ability overall.
I do think that PT is a really good place to start getting information- and its covred by many insurance companies.
I forgot to add before that I was thinking of joining a healthclub not long ago, so that I could do water exercises specifically. I wanted to take water aerobics and water pilates...they were recommended to me by my Neuro..howver, both due to financial issues and the fact that the water was kept at 81 degrees, which is what the national arthritis association recommends, it was way too hot for me to be comfrotable exercising in. Its a shame that the only MS sponsored water exercises in my area are held in places which also support the arthritis foundation....I havent found any which keep their pools below 78 degrees, whcih is all my body can handle for any given time.

Think about PT, its a good place to start- and think about doing some home videos...they really help with flexibility, muscle spasms, coordination and muscle tone.

good luck.