When is exercise not exercise?
Exercise can be many things. The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy has previously run a campaign called: Love Activity, Hate Exercise.
The philosophy is that exercise can take many different shapes – you can exercise directly and indirectly. You might not enjoy squatting 3 x 10 repetitions or the other wonderful things the physiotherapists get you to do but you might enjoy bending your knees to deadhead the flowers in the garden which indirectly exercise your legs with the add on bonus of more flowers to come.
Exercise doesn’t have to be just plain exercise! It can also be an activity around the house – e.g. setting the table. It can also be an activity which you personally enjoy, for example, dancing. Remember when you enjoy it, you are more likely to stick with it.
If you need a little inspiration on how fun and enjoyable activities also can be exercise, then have a listen to Elizabeth in the following link talking about sailing and all the others describing their activities:
The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy also have a few tips on staying active with a long term condition such as MS:
At times, it may be very important for you to directly target specific muscles when you exercise, but there is a lot to be said for keeping active and reducing a sedentary lifestyle by choosing activities, which are meaningful and important to you.
Not receiving support from one of our physiotherapy team but want to join one of our online classes? Request a screening appointment here: https://www.bmstc.org/screening-exercise-classes
