Exercise
Regular recreation, active living and a personalised exercise program can help you to live well with multiple sclerosis.
Regular physical activity can benefit everyone — not just people living with multiple sclerosis. It can help to manage some of the symptoms of multiple sclerosis and decrease the effects of physical inactivity.
Before you start a new fitness exercise program you should consult your doctor to discuss appropriate exercise precautions.
Exercise provides all sorts of benefits, including:
- reduced fatigue
- increased stamina and fitness
- improved flexibility of your joints
- better coordination and balance
- enhanced muscle strength and tone
- management of mild spasticity (muscle stiffness)
- improved posture and reduced back and neck pain
- better blood pressure and decreased risk of heart disease, obesity, diabetes and osteoporosis
- elevates your mood and reduces stress and depression
- builds self-confidence and sense of wellbeing
- increases alertness and concentration
- opportunity for social interaction and support.
You can learn more from our
MS Living Well Education sessions
Many community organisations, community health centres, hospitals, neighbourhood houses and local councils operate exercise groups, with some offering remote classes. If you want to talk to one of our MS Specialists about exercise options in your region, please contact
MS Connect™ (Freecall 1800 042 138 or email
msconnect@ms.org.au).
Due to social distancing requirements, our face-to-face activities have been postponed until further notice, we are doing the best we can to minimise risk of COVID-19 spread and protect the health of everyone we work with and for. We offer various exercise programs by webinar. Check out the Upcoming Programs.
Webinar Recordings
Get Active with MS - The Benefits of Exercise
This webinar is presented by MS Exercise Physiologist, Eric Morales. Eric will take us through some practical ways to get active. Eric will also cover benefits of exercise, barriers and challenges, exercise and heat sensitivity, types of exercises, and discuss strategies to improve exercise opportunities. (Recorded 16 October 2020)
Webinar handouts:
Get Active with MS - The Benefits of Exercise
Keep Active at Home during COVID-19
Want to keep active at home in a safe and practical manner? MS Exercise Physiologist, Eric Morales will provides information about the prevalence of falls in multiple sclerosis, factors which contribute to falls and lastly, and most importantly, the safest ways to exercise while at home. (Recorded 22 May 2020)
Webinar handouts: Keep Active at Home During COVID-19, Exercise Physiology Telehealth Information, MS and Exercise: A Literature Review
Get Active with Multiple Sclerosis - Exercise during COVID-19
What is the best form of exercise for people living with multiple sclerosis to do at home? Caitlin Ireland, MS Exercise Physiologist will take us through the benefits of exercise for people with multiple sclerosis, the best types of exercises to pursue, the barriers that sometimes stop us exercising and how to overcome them. (Recorded 22 April 2020)
Webinar handouts: Get Active with Multiple Sclerosis - Exercise during COVID-19
The Role of an Exercise Physiologist and Tailoring an Exercise Plan for Wellness
Join MS Exercise Physiologist, Eric Morales as he discusses the important role of an Exercise Physiologist. Learn how a prescribed exercise plan can help manage MS symptoms and improve general health and wellbeing. (Recorded 16 Aug 2019)
Webinar handouts:
The Role of an Exercise Physiologist and Tailoring an Exercise Plan for Wellness
Get Active with Multiple Sclerosis - Focus on Balance
This session is led by MS physiotherapists and has a special focus on understanding and managing issues with balance. (Recorded February 2015)
Read the slides