Have you ever struggled with tasks like getting up and down from the floor, carrying shopping, or getting in and out of a car? You're not the only one.
These everyday activities can become challenging, especially as people face physical barriers due to MS.
That’s why we teamed up with Neuro Heroes to produce a functional exercise video series.
These videos are designed to support and enhance your ability to perform these tasks with ease and confidence.
Here, you’ll find helpful activities to strengthen the muscle groups linked to the day-to-day tasks and balance exercises to give you that added stability.
These exercises should be done alongside regular aerobic activity (aim for around 150 minutes weekly), so that you also work on your cardiovascular health.
Over 480 people in the MS community completed a survey about day-to-day tasks. It included information on which tasks people found the most difficult and what format people would like the exercise support in.
That’s why we made the videos in these easily digestible chunks with practical exercises that you can complete in your own home. You spoke, we listened.
So, let's get started and make the first moves towards a more active and independent lifestyle.
Getting down to the floor can be tricky, especially if you don't feel steady on your feet. Getting back up can also be incredibly difficult.
Laura explores a series of practical exercises that break the task up into easy steps. You'll just need a chair for stability.
Getting up and down the stairs when you live with MS isn't always easy. Throw in balance issues and tackling the stairs can start to feel daunting.
Laura takes us through a series of practical exercises to help you move up or down the stairs. These movements will help to strengthen key muscle groups and support your balance.
Getting in or out of a car can be very difficult and require you to use lots of different muscle groups.
Laura takes us through a series of functional activities that address the problem of getting in and out of a car. Get a chair ready for these movements.
Moving around in bed can be hard or painful when you live with MS. Plus, getting in and out of bed can be a struggle.
Laura shows us a simple set of exercises to address bed movement issues. Here, you'll learn core exercises in an easy and accessible way.
Grocery shopping when you have MS can be a pain. You're often bending down or twisting into uncomfortable positions. Add in heavy shopping bags and it's easy to feel unsteady.
Laura outlines some practical movements that you can do at home to support your strength and balance. These exercises will help you when moving around the shops, lifting heavy bags and stretching to put away shopping.
The videos presented here are designed for educational and informational purposes only. They should not be used an alternative to medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
It's important to understand that these exercises are not a replacement for professional medical guidance. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before starting any new exercise programme, especially if you have any pre-existing medical conditions or concerns.
Furthermore, never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it due to information presented in these videos. Your health and safety are paramount, and it's essential to approach any exercise programme with caution and under the supervision of a healthcare professional.