Multiple Sclerosis vs Pilates

#BetterMe Pilates Essential Kit

There are several effective strategies that I use to keep Mr. Hyde firmly under control. It’s a challenge, but I refuse to let him dictate my life. Living with multiple sclerosis (MS) or any autoimmune disease can feel like walking through a minefield; one misstep, and the beast can take over. This unpredictability is what makes it difficult to cope, but I refuse to back down.

Before my diagnosis with MS, I wasn’t particularly active. I was always busy and convinced myself that I didn’t have time to exercise. As the years passed, I noticed my body becoming stiffer and faced overwhelming fatigue and pain. I had to confront the reality of my situation. I read countless articles, and nearly every one emphasized the importance of "diet and exercise."

I quickly realized that I needed to address my exercise routine, but I faced another hurdle: heat intolerance. Hot weather would cause my entire body to hurt and amplify my anxiety. For years, I struggled to understand this response until I began educating myself about MS. It became clear that if I can’t overheat, I needed to find suitable forms of exercise.

After extensive research, I discovered yoga and, more recently, Pilates. Both of these forms of exercise are powerful yet low-impact, which is perfect for my condition. It’s crucial to recognize that every MS case is unique, and individual limitations must be taken into account. Always consult with your doctor before starting any new exercise regime.

Since incorporating exercise into my life, I have experienced a remarkable transformation—I feel better, and I am happier. There is ample evidence that exercise stimulates the release of brain chemicals like endorphins and neurotransmitters, which reduce pain and enhance mood. This has significantly lowered my risk of MS-related depression. As I stated in my previous article, Mr. Hyde can be sly, and that’s precisely why we must fortify our defenses.

According to msfocus.org, the health benefits of Pilates include:

- Increased core strength

- Reduced back pain

- Improved posture

- Enhanced flexibility

- Better balance and coordination

Health.clevelandclinic.org provides detailed insights into these benefits. Lead yoga therapist Judi Bar emphasizes that “as human beings, we are creatures of habit.” She explains that our daily movements can create muscle imbalances due to overuse. Pilates helps counteract these imbalances.

Individuals with MS face numerous challenges that affect how they use their muscles, including:

- Pain

- Numbness

- Fatigue

- Spasticity

- Nerve tingling (which can be particularly bothersome; I experienced tingling in my feet for two months before my diagnosis)

- Lack of balance

Bar emphasizes that Pilates focuses on core strength, which is invaluable for those affected by MS. Strengthening your core alleviates balance issues and reduces the risk of falls. Additionally, Pilates is known for its pain-reducing properties, aiding in the management of chronic musculoskeletal issues. It specifically helps improve lower back pain, which plays a critical role in gait stability and fall prevention.

While we’ve discussed core strength and pain reduction, it’s time to explore how Pilates enhances posture and flexibility. Bar points out that strong, aligned core muscles facilitate good posture. She notes the importance of both relaxing and strengthening your muscles. The stretching involved in Pilates expands your range of activities, while increased flexibility protects against injuries, enhances muscle relaxation, and helps maintain mobility and range of motion. Overall, strengthening your core results in improved balance and coordination.

Pilates offers fantastic benefits, but what if you lack access to a studio? I understand completely. As a busy mom of three with a full-time night shift at the hospital, I sought ways to exercise at home. Fortunately, I discovered the Better Me App, and it has been a game-changer. The variety of workouts available is incredible, and they customize sessions to fit your fitness level.

If you ever want professional guidance during your fitness journey, Better Me offers that option too.

It’s essential to challenge yourself and ensure that Mr. Hyde does not rule your life. Yes, there are days when everything seems to go wrong, and I struggle against full-body fatigue and pain. However, Pilates remains my most effective strategy to assert control and remind Mr. Hyde who is in charge. Remember, MS does not define you; you have the power to take charge of your life—anything is possible.