How to Do Aerobics When You Suffer From Foot Pain Due to Multiple Sclerosis

Aerobic exercise helps you to maintain a healthy weight and manage high blood pressure and cholesterol. However, many typical aerobic exercises, such as aerobic dance or walking, requires you to stand. MS foot pain can restrict a patient's ability to participate in these activities. Modifying how you do aerobic exercise can help you to get a great workout without exacerbating your symptoms.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Sit. Many of the movements used in a typical aerobics class can be done seated in a chair, or for a more vigorous workout, while seated on a ball. When using a ball, focus on pushing down into the ball and bouncing. This relieves pressure from your feet and joints and raises your heart rate. You can also do movements such as marching, knee lifts, straight leg kicks and jumping jacks on the ball. If you feel unsteady, hold onto the back of a chair until your balance improves.

2. Try water exercises. Working out in the water gives you double the workout as you try to move against the resistance of the water, but there is no pressure on your feet and joints. Exercising in the water can be both a great workout and relaxing at the same time.

3. Find a gym with a variety of aerobic exercise machines. Instead of an upright stationary bike, try a recumbent bike that allows you to sit as you would in a chair and pedal with your legs out in front of you. Bicycling in this position takes pressure off the joints. There are also arm bicycles which can give you a workout without stressing your legs.

Tips & Warnings

• Always check with your healthcare provider before beginning any new exercise program.

Resources

• Living Well Yoga and Fitness
• Sissel
• National MS Society