Exercise Classes for Multiple Sclerosis
What are Exercise Classes for Multiple Sclerosis?
Exercise is good for everyone and we encourage anyone with multiple sclerosis to increase the amount of exercise they do, even if it’s just by a small amount each week. Even a few minutes of activity each day can have a very positive impact on your symptoms.
Our classes are a great introduction to the Centre for those who may not want or need to have one-to-one treatment or additional support at this time. Our exercise therapists understand how the body can be affected by multiple sclerosis and the classes are tailored to suit different abilities and symptoms, something that standard exercise classes may not consider.
We have a mix of classes per week to suit all different ability levels. No matter how much or how little movement you have, there will be a class that you can benefit from.
Our classes are grouped as follows:
- Classes for those who can stand for at least 45 minutes (with or without an aid)
- Classes for those who can stand but for less than 45 minutes at a time (half and half class)
- Fully seated classes
Due to COVID-19, we are running a reduced number of classes at the Centre, and numbers of participants have to be limited..
Tuesday – 11:15am – Seated class
Wednesday – 10am – 1/2 & 1/2 class
Wednesday – 11:15am – 1/2 & 1/2 class
The classes will be for a maximum of 6 members to allow them to be socially distanced, unless the guidelines change.
We also run several classes virtually via Zoom.
10am Wednesday – Standing class
10am Thursday – Seated class
10am Friday – 1/2 and 1/2 class
You can also find some of them on our YouTube channel. We also have a range of exercise videos on our Home Exercise page.
The following sessions are not currently available due to COVID-19, but we will resume these as soon as we can.
- Games-based classes like Boccia for all abilities
- Open Gym sessions for those who can independently follow an exercise programme
- Open Hydrotherapy classes for those who can independently follow an exercise programme and have had hydrotherapy at the Centre before.
HOW COULD EXERCISE CLASSES BENEFIT ME?
According to NICE (National Institute for Health & Care Excellence), remaining physically active can improve mobility and fatigue. It can also help to reduce the secondary complications of inactivity, such as pressure sores, and help people with multiple sclerosis to regain or maintain their strength.
- Promotes an active lifestyle
- Improves quality of life
- Improves and maintains mobility
- Improves general health and well-being
- Assists in restoring range of motion
- Restores/improves muscular strength, power and endurance
- Improves skeletal muscle function and overall body function
- Reduces fatigue
- Improves Cardiovascular function
- Plus it can be social & fun!
HOW TO ACCESS EXERCISE CLASSES?
You don’t need to have an initial assessment before you can attend the classes. If you are not a member please speak to one of our exercise therapists for an initial chat about which classes are suitable for you. You will need to become a member by paying your membership fee before you start the class. You will also have to complete a pre-screening questionnaire so that the team can make sure they put you in the right class to suit your ability and heath needs.
You can join the zoom classes by emailing Louise Grace for the login details by 9pm the night before.
If you are interested in registering your interest for our face-to-face exercise classes please email our exercise team.
To have a chat about which classes are suitable for you, speak to your physiotherapist or email our exercise team.