If you watched, heard or read much about the Paralympics in Rio last year you may be forgiven for wondering what all the fuss around MS is when we saw such excellent performances from Steph Millward and Kadena Cox amongst many other athletes with MS, who didn't appear to be unduly hindered - goodness, they were even sprinting in their respective events.  These ladies (and all competitors) are incredibly talented and superb athletes, their achievements are no mean feat and must be wholly celebrated, however this isn't necessarily representative of many of us with MS though who may be experiencing mobility issues and/or fatigue; struggling to climb the stairs or spend much of the day in a wheelchair.  It's understandable that while it is an incredible and inspirational achievement for these athletes it can make starting/continuing with physical activity seem daunting or unimaginable to some

There has been a shift in the advice given by health professionals around exercising with MS over the last few decades; in the 1970's and before anyone suffering with MS was advised not to exercise for the fear that it would make symptoms like fatigue and muscle weakness worse.  However we now have evidence that exercise can actually improve these symptoms and others such as balance, fine muscle dexterity and coordination.   Exercise also promotes wellbeing through the release of endorphins - chemicals which create the 'happy buzz' we get after exercising - and can also mimic the action of painkillers like morphine and codeine  and has been shown to improve symptoms of depression. 

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Sources:
​​​Active IQ (2016) Personal Training Handbook
​MS Society (2017) Exercise
MS Trust (2014) A-Z of MS: Exercise