It was once believed that exercise was bad for those with Multiple Sclerosis (MS); a recent study concluded otherwise. A quote from the study1:
“Physical training can relieve many of the symptoms, including the excessive fatigue and mobility impairments that are often seen. New research now shows that resistance training may protect the nervous system and thus slow the progression of the disease.”
And this:
"Among persons with multiple sclerosis, the brain shrinks markedly faster than normal. Drugs can counter this development, but we saw a tendency that training further minimizes brain shrinkage in patients already receiving medication. In addition, we saw that several smaller brain areas actually started to grow in response to training,"
There is a long list of benefits from proper resistance training; for those with MS the list is even longer and more vital. At our Austin Personal Trainers and New Orleans Fitness Training locations we have worked those with MS since we first opened our doors. We use MedX exercise equipment. With its medical rehab features, we are better able to work with those with compromising conditions.
One of our trainers, Glenn, has MS and has been training with us for 10 years. He had this to say about the workout:
“Our workout is high intensity, but short in duration, so it's a perfect routine for MSers (especially with heat intolerance - a very common symptom). And unlike standard workouts, you get through a full body workout before your MS symptoms can flare due to a rise in core body temperature.”
“Perfect routine of MSers”, it is beneficial for a number of other conditions as well – arthritis, diabetes, osteopenia, back problems, stroke