Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory disease which causes damage to the myelin sheaths that cover the nerve cells. This results in poor functioning of the spinal cord, the brain, as well as the other parts of the body. MS symptoms usually come and go, arriving in periods known as “flare ups”, and can consist of a variety of symptoms such as muscle weakness, tingling in the limbs or numbness, and fatigue.

Read on for some beneficial exercises that may help manage and reduce MS symptoms:

1. Walking

Taking a walk helps MS patients greatly. Having daily walks increases energy and mood significantly. It also helps to ease pain in the joints, and the muscles feel less tightened. This allows the patient to go about daily activities with better ease. Taking walks helps to release endorphins (feel-good hormones). These hormones are secreted in the nervous system and the brain, and they have numerous physiological effects.

2. Yoga

Yoga is a practice that involves various exercises such as breathing, meditation and stretching. It aids in improving strength and flexibility while encouraging a pleasant, calm mindset. Both the psychological and physical effects of these exercises benefit patients with MS. Developing strength and flexibility improves the symptoms of MS, such as loss of mobility, muscle weakness and stiffness.

3. Running

There are certain symptoms of MS that can put off a person from running. Surprisingly, even a calm physical run exercise can greatly start to improve these symptoms. It is one of the exercises that have a great positive impact on people suffering from MS, especially if you have a few stairs close to you. Stair exercises assist in building power and strength in the lower body. It can also help to improve some of MS symptoms, for instance, balance cognitive changes and to walk. It is vital to start with short, calm runs that include jogging so as to avoid putting too much tension on the muscles very quickly.

4. Swimming

Swimming can improve flexibility, endurance, strength, balance and can help to reduce pain as well. Tiredness is the most common MS symptom and usually the most devastating. Therefore, this can be a great body activity for people with MS. The person is supposed to use water weights, noodles, wet belts, in addition to other pool gear so as to get effective cardio exercises. The sessions should go for around 30 minutes of activity and no less than three to four times weekly. Some individuals with MS at times experience a short-term break out of symptoms when they overheat. Immersing in a pool can really cool the body temperature and cool that exacerbation. Overall, aquatic exercise improves life for MS patients.

5. Cycling

MS patients usually experience decreased muscle mass, increased muscle weakness, as well as general tiredness. Cycling helps to increase muscle mass and to strengthen leg muscles. When the muscles go through physical activity, there is an improvement in strength and size. In addition, it offers reduced impact aerobic exercises that improve respiratory and cardiovascular functioning. When people with MS gain bodily strength, fatigue minimizes. Increased activity results in increased circulation, which in turn reduces stiffness and spasms.

Exercise can greatly improve MS management in addition to providing mood changing effects. During aerobic activity, the body usually releases endorphins and neurotransmitters, which lessen inflammation, improve mood, and reduce physical discomfort.