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 read more in our
Exercise and multiple sclerosis information sheet.
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. 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).
Get Active with MS - The Benefits of Exercise
Jacolyn Harris, MS Consultant Physiotherapist, explains the benefits of exercise, gives exercise guidelines for people with multiple sclerosis and encourages everyone to get active. (Recorded Nov 2017)
Webinar handout:
Get Active with MS - Exercise
Get Active with MS - focus on balance
This session is led by MS physiotherapists and has a special focus on understanding and managing issues with balance. (Recorded Feb 2015)
Get Active with MS Webinar - General Exercise
This webinar, aimed at people with multiple sclerosis who are interested in exploring exercise, is led by the MS Physiotherapists, and will give you advice about ways to get more physically active, increase fitness levels and build strength. It is not an exercise class!
We will also discuss the programs known to MS as well as guide you through the steps of finding or starting a program that suits you. (Recorded Feb 2013)
Learn more about our
Get Active education programs
MS exercise classes in NSW
We offer some exercise classes in some parts of NSW. For more information, please contact
MS Connect™ (Freecall 1800 042 138 or email
msconnect@ms.org.au).
Lidcombe MS Gym
We have a large rehabilitation-type gym at our Studdy MS Centre in Lidcombe, NSW. Our physiotherapists develop individualised plans tailored to your needs and abilities. Our exercise physiologists then assist you in implementing your exercise program and adapt your exercises to ensure that you are progressing with your program.
The Lidcombe MS Gym is fortunate to have a range of modern equipment including wheelchair accessible equipment, strength and stretch equipment, cardio equipment and FES motomeds.
Please contact MS Connect™ (Freecall 1800 042 138 or email msconnect@ms.org.au) for a referral to see a Physiotherapist who will create an individualised exercise program to suit your needs.
Iyengar yoga
Iyengar Yoga can assist to minimise your symptoms. The poses (asanas) can be adapted to suit the needs of people living with multiple sclerosis with all levels of ability.
Yoga can help improve core strength, balance and flexibility. Concentrating on the postures and breath could also act as a powerful form of meditation that could enhance alertness. The regulated breathing helps promote mind and body relaxation, reduces muscle tension and can help manage fatigue and stress.
Classes are held at:
- Studdy MS Centre, Lidcombe — 10–11am and 11am–12pm Wednesdays
- Lane Cove — 10.30am-11.30am Mondays
- Marrickville — 9.00am-10.00am Tuesdays
Strength maximising
Our strength maximising classes are run locally by a physiotherapist or a qualified and accredited personal fitness trainer. Classes are designed to improve muscle strength, balance and physical stamina, with the added benefits of enhanced sense of wellbeing and an opportunity to have fun. Group locations and times may vary according to demand.
- Erina Exercise, Erina Physio Sports and Exercise Rehab, 200 The Entrance Road — 11.30am Thursday
- Chatswood, West Chatswood Community Hall, 565 Mowbray Road, Chatswood — 10am–11am Wednesdays for independent participants, 11am–12pm Wednesdays for upper limb exercise
Dance for Health
Dance for Health is a program designed especially for people with movement challenges, based on the three main pillars of human needs: physical, psychological and social. It’s designed to help you restore body/mind balance and combat ill-health. Chairs are provided and you can go at your own pace.
Dance for Health operates in line with the school term at MS Studdy Centre, Lidcombe. The session is held on a Monday at 10.30am
The cost is $150 for school term ($15 per session). These sessions may be funded by NDIS Plans. An initial session can be trialled free of charge.
Contact MS Connect on 1800 042 138 to register.
TAI CHI
Tai Chi is a centuries-old mind-body practice that involves performing sequences of slow, flowing motions. It's usually done standing, but many of the movements can also be done while sitting.
Tai Chi will run during school terms at MS Studdy Centre, Lidcombe. The session is held on a Friday at 11.00am-12.00pm
Classes will be free for the months of May and June 2018. The following terms will be a cost of $10 per session.
These sessions may be funded by NDIS Plans
Contact MS Connect on 1800 042 138 to register.
MS Moves
MS Moves is a community based physical activity program which aims to help everyone with multiple sclerosis in our community.
126 Avoca Road, Wakeley
Download the flyer for more information
Community exercise classes in Victoria
For more information, please contact MS Connect™ (Freecall 1800 042 138 or email msconnect@ms.org.au).