Wha-hoo! My pool is now open for the next seven months.<\/p>\n
As soon as the water gets to seventy degrees, it\u2019s time. Now seventy degrees sounds very cold, but when I am constantly moving around it isn\u2019t. Cold temperatures speed up nerve conduction, allowing me more ability to exercise in a variety of ways. However, a person with arthritis or other chronic illness would want the water warmer (84 degrees is ideal).<\/p>\n
One of the reasons I moved to Arizona was to have use of my own pool for therapy. I had a hydraulic lift installed so that I could do a good workout in the pool and not worry about getting out when I am done. Insurance covered 80% of my lift, but I had to fight with them to pay for it and finally after three appeals they did.<\/p>\n
Exercise is one of the most important things a person with MS can do. Or anyone for that matter.<\/p>\n
I have been a swimmer all of my life, and when I developed MS, swimming became my #1 form of exercise. Three times a week, I have religiously gone into the pool to stretch, exercise, and practice things I had\/have trouble doing on land (like standing, walking, and balancing). I have done this for thirty years.<\/p>\n
I do a 45-minute workout, but if I\u2019m exceptionally tired I don\u2019t push it and five or ten minutes is better than nothing. Beginners will have to start out slowly and work their way up in time and intensity.<\/p>\n
The enormous benefits of swimming are:<\/p>\n
*<\/strong>\u00a0Improves circulation; reduces edema. On days when I\u2019m not in the pool, I get on the floor and do a variety of exercises that I learned from my dancing days, physical therapy and videos.<\/p>\n Before I had my own pool, I used to swim at the YMCA for years. MS Associations have information about aquatic therapy online, and many local chapters offer\/arrange aquatic therapy.<\/p>\n People always say that infamous MS saying to me\u2014\u201cYou look so good!\u201d I do look good, and even on days when I feel like crap, a little swim does help me feel a little better. You will too!<\/p>\n www.DebbieMS.com<\/a> Wha-hoo! My pool is now open for the next seven months. As soon as the water gets to seventy degrees, it\u2019s time. Now seventy degrees sounds very cold, but when I am constantly moving around it isn\u2019t. Cold temperatures speed … Continue reading
\n* Benefits the respiratory and cardiovascular systems.
\n*\u00a0All muscles get a workout for stretching, strengthening and endurance.
\n*\u00a0Enables excellent practice for things that are difficult to do on land,
\nsuch as standing, walking, balancing, and improving posture.
\n*\u00a0Provides safety from slipping and falling.
\n* Exercises in cool water are easier.
\n* Benefits overall health, constipation.
\n* Relieves stress\/provides relaxation.
\n* Helps burn calories to keep the weight off.<\/p>\n
\nAuthor\/MS Counselor\/Living with MS<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"