I posted this blog a couple of months ago and literally hundreds of you have viewed it, so clearly the headline got your attention. Over the last few months I have met more and more people who seem to be using exercise as a way to manage and beat MS on a daily basis. I myself suffered quite badly with MS between 2006 and 2009, however over the last four years I have implemented a 3 point plan and my overall health has been completely transformed.
My plan was really 3 things namely 1) Medication 2) diet & exercise and 3) positive approach to my circumstances. It is very difficult to quantify how good one is over the other however I am getting more and more feedback from people suffering from MS who seem to have started an exercise program and have seen their MS symptoms decline. I think this is fascinating.
My friend Bill Sink reckons his symptoms settle when he is running. My other buddy Gene Caffrey states the same and I myself find when I am training, my symptoms seem to disappear. Why is this I ask?
Well I don't know the answer but I am very interested in researching this more to see how many others out there are finding the same result. MS can be a very nasty condition and with 2.5m people suffering worldwide and loads more awaiting diagnosis, we need to get to the route of the problem.
I am going to continue with my intense exercise program, as I believe the fitter I am, the stronger my immune system will be, the better quality of life I will have.
However more and more as time goes by, many medical professionals are convinced that exercise is the answer to all round health and well being. I am 36 on my next birthday and I have noticed in the past few years the numbers of people running, walking, cycling have increased massively and generally there does seem to be a change of mindset out there regarding people wanting to look after themselves a little better.
It takes a lot of will, determination and grit to get yourself up off the couch and get out there to exercise, but I guarantee you that the health and well being benefits by far outweigh the inconvenience and hassle.
So if you are a regular trainer, keep it going and even up the ante. If you are thinking about starting, then do it today and go walk the dog for 15 minutes - not a bad way to get going.
Also If you are finding that exercise is helping you beat and manage your Multiple Sclerosis, please let me know.
#Attitudeiseverything :))
My new book Attitude is Everything - My MS Story, is available off my website : www.conordevine.com
I definitely believe exercise and a good healthy diet are key. I was diagnosed in April and once I got IV steroids 98% of symptoms left immediately. Everything was completely normal until the end of October when fatigue hit like a steam train. I had since April increased my fruit and veg intake and had started yoga. I also had bought a bike and during the Summer until September was out for a cycle 4 times a week. In September my working hours were increased to a full 40 hour week so between that and the daily running around with 2 children I didn't get out on the bike. It only took 7 or 8 weeks to feel the effects of not cycling - I was tired like i had never felt in my life before and felt very weak. I hated feeling this way at only 35 and started going to the gym 3 evenings a week after work for half to three quarters of an hour each time. Amazingly after only 2-3 weeks I felt great. It knocked the fatigue on the head first and my legs are feeling stronger. - Result!! I really believe that exercise has a huge impact on symptoms
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