Get in the pool!

[MS w/MS]

I have to share my experience with board members in hope they will at least try it. I'm in a wheelchair, have been for 4 1/2 years. I knew the pool could be beneficial, but never fully committed myself. When I first started going, (Jan. 2012), I had trouble just being able to take a few steps. I needed to use two fun noodles. One to hold on to, and the other one went acrossed my chest to keep me upright. I started off small, I'd walk for only 10 minutes. As I got stronger, I increased the time. After a while I was able to walk with just one noodle for balance. Now I can walk without needing any help at all. I've been adding different leg excercises as I've gotten stronger. I can really see the difference it making. I truly believe that if I keep it going, I'll eventually be able to get out of my wheelchair. It's probably going to take a few years, but I believe it'll happen.

Every person I talk to with MS, I tell them, get in the pool. The resistance the water gives is just enough to slowly strenthen your muscles. If only I could go back in time, I'd tell myself get your *** in the pool!

well, that's my story

mark s

[SalpalSally]

May the force be with you, ((((((MarkS))))))

[agate]

Really good advice, I think. I was getting in a pool once a week for an hour of swimming laps, and I did that for several years--but then the pool closed. Getting there and back was a project, too.

I haven't looked for any more pools since then, partly because my doctor said that swimming was fine but it was exactly what I didn't need when it came to exercise. She wanted me doing weight-bearing exercise on account of the osteopenia I had.

The osteopenia has actually improved since then. Maybe it's because I stuck to the exercise routine. I could have kept up the swimming as well but I seem to have only so many hours in a day and hate to spend so many of them exercising. I'm glad I've been able to keep up the 45 minutes a day of weight-bearing or stretching or aerobics or core strengthening.

[Pegakafarmgirl]

mark,, you are so right on with this,, I went to the "Y" , it helped so much, then I had to stop, when the water got to cold,,{they never fixed the boiler, a lot of ladies had to go else where also, some had severe arthritis}, I loved the water,,