People who suffer from Multiple Sclerosis already have a lot of challenges to contend with in their lives. Whereas many people already find excuses and ways to avoid hitting the gym, it’s that much harder for those with chronic conditions to get in a good workout. This is an area in which a personal trainer can become an effective key to a patient’s disease management strategy.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease that damages the nerves in the brain and spinal cord. Sclerosis means scarring; MS sufferers develop scar tissue in response to the nerve damage. Symptoms can include failure of muscle control, balance, vision, and even speech, depending on where the “flare ups” occur. Early MS symptoms include weakness, tingling, numbness, and blurred vision. Muscle stiffness and urinary problems are other signs as well. Treatment can relieve MS symptoms and delay progression, but there is no cure as of yet for MS.
As a certified personal trainer for over two decades, I’ve had the privilege of working with many people from all walks of life. I’m grateful that I’ve been able to find a way to help others have a better quality of life. When I studied to become a multiple sclerosis fitness and wellness specialist I realized that people with MS can benefit from exercise and proper nutrition in a number of ways.This got me excited to learn all that I could about how to empower people who have MS.
With the recent push for getting everybody moving, for some, Health Screening, Exercise Testing, Exercise Prescription as well as Fitness Programming are all areas where professional guidance may be necessary. The knowledge and experience of multiple Healthcare and Fitness Professionals combined provides a holistic approach for a lifetime of optimal health and well-being.
Multiple Sclerosis or MS, is considered a neuro degenerative disease and inflammatory immune condition that can cause problems throughout the body. MS affects approximately two million people each year with no known cure, making it a “chronic disease”.
My appreciation for physical fitness was conditioned through classical dance training from the age of 5. Because of the great impact that dance and music had on my childhood and teenage years – I ensured to maintain my passion for physical fitness as a member of a hip hop dance team while studying at California State University, Long Beach, auditioned and was accepted for the university’s Dance minor program, was a member of the on-campus fitness club, and even added step aerobics classes to my regular class schedules for credit. All in all, physical activity was heavily integrated in my daily life.
I am honored to share the story of 64 year old ex military serviceman Arthur Mc Williams, a long time client who is also battling liver cancer for third time and has multiple sclerosis. Arthur is a friend, client and foremost, my hero. A true warrior fighting the most important battle: LIFE.
While most people are planning for their New Year’s resolutions, many of us with multiple sclerosis are just trying to feel normal again after all the holiday activities. The problem with the holidays is that they take us out of our normal routines and create financial and emotional stress.
One of the activities my wife and I used to really enjoy doing together was going to the gym. We had a personal trainer named Eric. Eric was funny, knowledgeable and understood how to maximize the workout for both me and my wife. Having a personal trainer that understood both our individual needs kept us motivated to workout. Eventually we moved and got a gym membership. However, we did not sign up with a personal trainer and the gym experience was no longer that unified activity we enjoyed together like we did when we worked out with Eric.