When walking is difficult, there are still plenty of ways to stay active and strong. The key is finding movement that feels safe and works for your current abilities.
Here are some great options to consider:
- Water exercise – Swimming, water aerobics, or aqua fit classes are popular choices. The buoyancy reduces strain Show Full Answer
When walking is difficult, there are still plenty of ways to stay active and strong. The key is finding movement that feels safe and works for your current abilities.
Here are some great options to consider:
- Water exercise – Swimming, water aerobics, or aqua fit classes are popular choices. The buoyancy reduces strain, helps with balance, and the cool water can prevent overheating. As one MyMSTeam member said, "I started going to aqua fit" and found it really helped their balance.
- Chair exercises – Seated stretching with resistance bands, chair yoga, or even curling light weights while seated can be very effective.
- Yoga or Pilates – Both can improve balance, flexibility, and mobility. Look for seated or adaptive versions. Avoid heated yoga classes.
- Tai chi – Slow, deliberate movements that have been shown to improve balance and quality of life for people with MS.
- Stretching – Helps manage stiffness and spasticity, and supports range of motion.
- Wheelchair routines – The National MS Society offers a wheelchair exercise series if a mobility device is needed. A physical therapist can be a huge help here. They can assess your walking (called a gait analysis), build a safe plan tailored to your symptoms, and suggest any assistive devices or braces that might support movement and reduce fall risk.
Always check with your doctor before starting something new, especially if you've had recent falls or new symptoms. Starting slow and being kind to yourself goes a long way — as one MyMSTeam member wisely put it, "Don't be too hard on yourself. Take it one day at a time."
June 3
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