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:
Seated Stretch
Class is aimed at all abilities, members are encouraged to join the class and learn how to stretch, help mobilise joints to keep them as mobile as possible, and make time for you and your body.
½ and ½ Class
This class is aimed at members who can stand to transfer or walk a few steps with aids, this class will help build strength in the body and encourage mobility in limbs. The class will range from cardio exercises, strength work all the way through to targeting specific movements in limbs. Every class is different and never the same exercises.
Standing Balance Class
This class targets members who are able to stand and walk but need help with their balance. In this class we will strengthen muscles and limbs key to successful and safe standing.
Mat-based Core Class
This class is aimed and members who can safely get on and off the floor, content will focus on teaching you how to gain strength in your back and core to help with good postural strength and mobility in your spine.
Standing Strength
This class is aimed at members who can stand for 45 minutes or more, in this class a whole-body strength program will be delivered to help gain a strong and mobile you.
Seated Exercise
This class is aimed at members who are seated most/all of the day, we will work on mobility, strength and muscle activation to keep you strong and mobile in your chair.
Early Bird Class
This is the hardest session of the week, if you like to be challenged and worked to your limit this is the class for you!! All abilities welcome. Fun high tempo exercise, done in a safe and fun way. A great end to the week and starting the weekend in style.
Our Timetable from 9 August:
We have started to run some classes with people attending in-person at the Centre. Unless stated, the classes below are available on Zoom and in-person at the same time.
Monday:
9am Seated Stretch
10am ½ and ½ Exercise
1pm Standing Balance Class (In-person at the Centre only)
Tuesday:
9:30am ½ and ½ Exercise
11am Standing Strength
1pm Mat Yoga (Zoom only)
2pm Seated Yoga (Zoom only)
Wednesday:
9:30am Standing Balance Class (Zoom only)
11am Seated Exercise (Zoom only)
1pm ½ and ½ Exercise
Thursday:
1pm Standing Exercise
2:30pm Seated Stretch
Friday:
8am Early Bird Standing Exercise
9.30am ½ and ½ Exercise
11am Seated Exercise (In-person at the Centre only)
12pm Seated Stretch
Or you can print a copy of our timetable.
You can also watch some of our classes 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 health needs.
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.