Finally found a cardio exercise I can do:) - My MSAA Community

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Finally found a cardio exercise I can do:)

23 Replies

Can't believe it's almost been a year since my DX of RRMS. While i know and experience how annoying and painful this disease can be from time to time, I still tell myself it could always be worse. Don't get me wrong, this IS a shitty disease for sure! My main issues have always been in my legs. I experience weird shooting pains down the back of my legs, burning sensations, tingling and sometimes a terrible achiness. These issues come and go. My right leg is a little weaker than the left.

Ok...so all that being said, my biggest challenge has been exercise! I LOVE the outdoors and doing anything outside. Cutting the grass, planting flowers, washing my car, running and walking. Been blessed the heat loves me so far:) But my legs get fatigued quick. Have been frustrated finding cardio until this past Monday. Went to the gym and happen to get on an Arc Trainer. It was AWESOME. Did 45 minutes, dripped sweat and legs were great. Super low impact. No repercussions. If your looking for something for cardio with low impact, try an Arc Trainer. Just had to share my excitement for finally being able to do a cardio workout.

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23 Replies
jimeka profile image
jimeka

Pleased that you have found something you can do and enjoy. Keep going and keep smiling. I love to hear of people with ms enjoying themselves, it does me the world of good, knowing all is not lost. Cheers Jimeka

timandlisa66 profile image
timandlisa66

I also have the problems with my legs! Kayaking is my cardio! It's easy on my legs but works the upper body, so I am still getting a workout! It's wonderful to hear and talk to other people that are going through some of the same things. I look forward to talking again soon!! :)

CalfeeChick profile image
CalfeeChickCommunityAmbassador

Hi ASC2. Ummm, thanks for posting. I also was very active. Try to swim a few laps a couple of times a week. Will check for arc trainer next time. Lynn

downrigger profile image
downrigger

Every time I go too my neuro. I look around the waiting room and say to myself I could be so much worse. Bob ppms

erash profile image
erash

ASC2, so happy for you. Being active is so very important to both emotional and physical well being! Now, what exactly is an arc trainer? 🙄

in reply toerash

Hi! An Arc Trainer machine kinda looks like an elliptical. Your feet stay planted the entire time...which is great for me! The motion is somewhat like a skiing motion and a little gliding back and forth. Not hard on joints at all and burns more calories than an elliptical! Google the machine and read about it, it explains and shows pictures which will give you an better idea.

I know swimming is supposed to be good, but the thought of jumping in cold water makes me wanna cry 😜

Have a great weekend!

erash profile image
erash in reply to

I agree about the swimming! I live in Fla and only swim end May thru Sept. Thanks for the info on the Arc Trainer. Sounds great!

CalfeeChick profile image
CalfeeChickCommunityAmbassador in reply to

They keep the pool at the gym at 84'. Actually a little warm for serious swimming. In the pool is the only time my legs and feet don't feel like lead weights😊👍🏊🏼🏊‍♀️🏊🏼

Jds1945 profile image
Jds1945 in reply toCalfeeChick

well i'm in sc and it has been unseasonably warm so far. i agree about the legs though, it is so freeing to be able to do things i could never do on land. in cooler water it's so great. but i overdid today and all of sudden died out. getting our my legs felt like you said lead weights.

Lizamy_5 profile image
Lizamy_5

Welcome to the this great chat room Hidden , timandlisa66 and downrigger

As you can see from past posts, we talk about pretty much anything. :)

Liza- volunteer admin

Joalyn profile image
Joalyn

So glad you found something that works!! I wish my husband could find something. Unfortunately, he can barely work a stationary bike let alone anything involving upright leg movement. We go to the gym every day, but basically he can only work on the ab and weight machines. He always tries to put in 10 minutes of pedaling, but it's a start/stop thing, so he definitely doesn't get aerobics benefits. Would be great if someone could suggest a way for him to get his heart rate up for at least a solid 15 minutes. Thanks ahead!!

in reply toJoalyn

Hi!

Good thing is your husband is trying to do what he can, that's half the battle! Keep him doing what his body will allow him to do and continue to research other activities. Do you belong to a gym where he has access to a swimming pool? I have just heard over and over how good swimming is for us MSers. Also, has your husband had any PT? Once I was DX I saw a PT who specialized in those with MS and it was very helpful. They may have some useful suggestions for him!

Praying he finds something he can do to get his heat rate up and make him feel good about it. In the meantime, keep him doing what he can do and help him keep smiling! Best of luck to you both 😀

Jds1945 profile image
Jds1945 in reply toJoalyn

It's crazy how different we all are. I can't exercise out of water because fatigue sets right in and i overheat almost immediately. But as long as we try what we can it's all good

jodigirl750 profile image
jodigirl750 in reply toJoalyn

Chair exercises! Lots of videos on youtube. I just saw one by ChairFit with Nancy for people with MS. I haven't done her videos but thought that may help! I used to do JessicaSmithTV and loved it! It really got my heart rate up moving my arms around with a towl! No special equipment or space. I had broken my foot, have terrible back issues, and recently broke a hip. I'm 54... Jessica Smith is cute, bubbly, and has a cutie dog named Peanut too! Give some of these a try! Good luck!

WAshingtongirl profile image
WAshingtongirl

At a recent MS workshop I attended, the guest neurologist spoke about the importance of aerobic exercise for cognition. I know the benefits of exercise on weight, muscle tone vs atrophy, etc., but what she shared really hit home with me. She explained how most workouts pump blood to our heart, but not all exercise pumps it to our brain. That's why we need even small bursts of cardio-to regenerate the brain cells by getting the blood pumping up there. She said that will help with cognitive issues.

Jds1945 profile image
Jds1945 in reply toWAshingtongirl

Tutu boy I hope that's true I have plenty of cognitive problems

jodigirl750 profile image
jodigirl750 in reply toWAshingtongirl

Wow!!! Now a GREAT reason to get back to exercise! I have gained an immense amount of weight, broke a hip, and have lost so much strength... My MS issues are mostly cognitive. Thank you so much for sharing! This is very important news to me!!!

RoyceNewton profile image
RoyceNewton

I love my recumbent racing tricycle. great fun just dodge the idiots on the road. Cattrike Trail little expensive but worth the $1500 USDand hanging out at the bike shop looking at gadgets makes u feel almost normal :-)

angelite profile image
angelite

So that's what the letters stand for ... Multiple Sh*^^iness ! : ))

I'll second that ! I have issues with most bits of me at this point ( still undiagnosed ). I still enjoy a moderate walk and potter around my garden. I also have an on the spot 'dance' with my stick when I go out to music venues, it's great exercise - I love all kinds of music but am a big 'ska' fan : )

It can be difficult to find a form of exercise sufficiently stimulating, that also suits your abilities. I've never tried a gym - I just take one look at all that scary machinery and my muscles cringe ! x

jodigirl750 profile image
jodigirl750 in reply toangelite

You tube videos! At home in your own space and ability level!

CalfeeChick profile image
CalfeeChickCommunityAmbassador

That's great that you found a cardio workout that you can do. Inspiring me.. our gym is only a block away and most days I don't even feel like walking over there.. Will have to check for Arc machines.. Thanks for the post!

jackiesj profile image
jackiesj

I needed to hear this!Yes, they want me in cardio rehab but cant use legs.so I'm a lookbTY for you sharing.

luvhair profile image
luvhair

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