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Exercise can seem daunting, especially when you’re diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. A study published in the Multiple Sclerosis Journal emphasized that patients with MS are less active compared to the general population. Because MS causes fatigue and mobility impairment, many individuals with MS are reluctant to engage in physical activities. However, the researchers underlined that exercise is beneficial for MS patients, especially if the workouts are tailored to their own needs.

Indeed, you can maintain your safety while working out at the same time. So, if you want to try out a safe exercise, here are some of your choices.

Yoga

Yoga can exercise both your mind and your body. This activity is great for MS patients because it can reduce common symptoms such as muscle weakness and stiffness.

However, you can get the most out of this exercise by signing up for yoga classes led by professionals. To illustrate, OhioHealth has a Neuroscience Wellness Center where patients with MS and other neurological conditions can sign up for yoga classes. The fitness center is supervised by medical professionals and exercise physiologists so patients are monitored throughout their sessions. You can also try yin yoga, which is composed of sequences where you hold passive poses for a prolonged period. It’s a safe, low-intensity exercise if you want to improve your muscle strength and reduce any pain caused by MS. If you have limited mobility, you can also try chair yoga. This modified version allows you to accomplish yoga poses while sitting down. In short, there are a wide variety of yoga practices. All you need to do is choose one based on your preferences.

Water Therapy

Patients with MS can benefit from water therapy because the buoyancy of water can offset your weight and make you feel lighter as you move your body. Moreover, you’re less likely to get any injuries if you’re exercising in water.

Though you can opt to do this on your own, it will be much safer if you are guided by a licensed physical therapist or medical professional. Older MS patients with limited mobility can even tap into their Medicare memberships to lower costs. Medicare Part B covers water therapy and other forms of physical therapy that are necessary for your condition. Meanwhile, KelseyCare points out that patients with Medicare Advantage can enjoy coverage that incorporate medical and fitness programs. This connects you with healthcare professionals who can create a special water therapy program based on your needs. And much like yoga, there are plenty of ways to go about it. If you aren't comfortable swimming, you can instead try water walking or even doing Tai Chi movements in the pool. Regardless, you can rest assured that these professionals will help you get the most out of your exercise while remaining completely safe in the water.

Aerobic Exercises

If you’re looking for safe exercises that you can do at home, give aerobic workouts a try. A medical review published by the NCBI highlighted that aerobic training is one of the best workouts for MS patients.

Aerobic exercises can improve your range of motion and reduce the effect of principal symptoms, such as fatigue. Walking is a good example of aerobic exercise. Just remember to warm up and wear comfortable shoes to reduce any risk of injury. Gardening can also be a form of aerobic exercise. Since you tend to walk and move around while gardening, you get to exercise your muscles and joints. Even better, you can combine the last two items by trying aquatic aerobics. You can perform the exercises with a group, making for a more fun exercise experience. That said, it's still important to have healthcare professionals and lifeguards close by to ensure your and your companions' safety.