At Overcoming MS, we’re focusing on the benefits of physical activity this month and we’re raring to go!
There are so many ways to exercise – and if you’re looking for some inspiration, we asked our community in the Live Well Hub to tell us their favourite ways to move their bodies, some of which might surprise you!
“I stretch every morning and love a freezing cold shower!” – John
“Regular Pilates classes are an excellent way of keeping the body supple while stretching and strengthening. I’m on my 202nd class and still loving it.” – Tony
“I alternate walking in my community and walking on a treadmill while in PT twice a week.” – Kristi
“A walk through the woods in all winds and weathers, they’re continually changing and a feast for the senses – the exercise you get is almost a bonus!” – Sean
“I’ve recently been introduced to the Tibetan five rites morning practise which consists of five yoga-ish movements. It targets all your key muscles and promotes balance.” – Gel
“My favourite way to stay active this time of year is to shoot Olympic recurve archery – not only do I get a great upper body workout by drawing and holding my 24lb bow, I also repeatedly walk to retrieve my arrows.” – Anjela
“I like to do YouTube workouts and a lot of walking.” – Ingrid
“Pickleball is good for balance and the entire body, not too much but just enough physical activity.” – Bryan
“I go to gym classes, Power Pump and last week I did my first circuits class. The gym is under my office, so I try to go at lunchtimes.” – Sarah
“I walk my dogs every morning in local woodland before I start work. My legs feel weak and heavy, but I ignore that feeling and carry on – I find it very good for my mental as well as physical health.” – Rachel
“I enjoy a variety in exercise, so I swim a couple of times a week, work out in the gym and go to aqua aerobics” – Maureen
“I use an NHS app called Active 10 to increase the amount of brisk walking that I do.” – Nicole
It’s all about finding what’s right for you – bearing in mind your ability level and what you enjoy. Walking, strength training, running, yoga, and group classes also consistently rank highly in global and national surveys of most popular exercises. If you’ve been inspired by any of our community’s suggestions, or have any of your own, let us know in our Live Well Hub!